SEATTLE - A female giraffe, Mahali (mah-HAW-lee), died over the weekend at Woodland Park Zoo. The 13-year-old giraffe, which rejected food and showed signs of kidney malfunction and dehydration over the past few days, had a history of chronic digestive system problems. She did not respond to antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medication and other drugs, and collapsed during a procedure to further rehydrate her. The life span of giraffes in zoos is 20 to 25 years.

“Our priority is to provide the highest quality of health care for all of our animals at the zoo,” notes zoo Senior Veterinarian Dr. Janis Joslin. A team of large animal specialists were called in to perform an ultrasound for further evaluation. “When an animal’s health is seriously compromised,” explains Joslin, “it is not uncommon for the zoo to consult with veterinarians, doctors and other specialists locally and around the country.” However, due to the anatomy of giraffes, it was difficult to obtain a diagnostic ultrasound. Despite efforts to save the giraffe, “Our animal management and health staff did everything within their means,” adds Joslin.

Preliminary necropsy results indicated weight loss, a possible impaction, enteritis — an inflammation of the intestines — and possible kidney failure.

Two giraffe remain on the zoo’s award-winning African Savanna: 22-year-old Sukari, a female; and 6-year-old Johari, a male. The death of the giraffe will expedite the zoo’s plan to add another young female giraffe to the herd. In addition to giraffe on the Savanna, zoo-goers may also enjoy oryx, zebra, Grant’s gazelle and patas monkeys.