SALT LAKE CITY — Officials at Hogle Zoo announced Tuesday they made the decision to euthanize Daphne, the oldest giraffe in North America, based on her decline in strength, low energy and a lesser response to pain medications.
She was 31 years old. The average lifespan for giraffes is 15 years.
"We found her lying down, which Daphne hasn't done for a long time," Dr. Erika Crook, associate veterinarian at the zoo, said in a statement. "We'd been monitoring her for a few months, and as is often the case with animals, they let you know when it's time."
Keepers noticed a decline in Daphne's comfort and attitude. "She wasn't as perky as usual and she was more sedentary," Lisa Ellison, giraffe keeper, said.
"She was having aches and pains like a great-grandmother would," Crook said. "She needed medication to make her comfortable."
It began taking keepers a longer time to convince Daphne to take the medications. "They worked hard and used every trick up their sleeves," Crook said.
Animal care staff took their cues from Daphne on how to proceed day to day. Her advanced age and related degenerative musculoskeletal issues finally caught up with her. She also exhibited a considerable decline in appetite.
Daphne came to Hogle Zoo in 1985 and was a mother to many calves and a caring “auntie” over the years, including, most recently, to baby Willow.
Hogle Zoo currently has three female giraffes, including 4-month-old Willow, and one adult male.