IE Zoo Mourns The Loss Of Giraffe, Dadisi, Herd Matriarch

PALM DESERT, CA—The staff of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens announced the passing of Dadisi, their 23-year-old giraffe.

On Tuesday, the caretakers of Dadisi compassionately euthanized the aging giraffe, who had battled a foot ailment since February of this year, according to zookeepers.

"At the age of 23, Dadisi exceeded female giraffes’ average life expectancy of 20," a spokesperson for the zoo shared over social media. "Over the course of a lifetime of normal activity, she developed arthritis in multiple joints of both front feet. Last fall, she moved behind the scenes to receive specialized therapy and treatment for a foot injury, a circumstance not uncommon in aging giraffe."

When she did not improve, the Living Desert decided that the best and most compassionate decision was to avoid the rapid progression of the hoof, which would lead to severe and painful deterioration.

"While compassionate euthanasia is never an easy decision, allowing an animal to go peacefully with the utmost respect before their well-being drastically decreases is the last gift that we can give," a statement from the zoo said.

Animal Care Curator Wendy Enright recalled the day that Dadisi arrived at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

"Dadisi was the first giraffe to set a hoof on the Giraffe Savanna when she moved here from the Oakland Zoo in 2002," Enright said. "I’m glad she was able to spend pretty much her whole life here, and she’s had an amazing life."

According to staff, Dadisi was known for her curious and adventurous nature and the connections she made with guests.

The matriarch of her herd, Dadisi leaves a legacy of 37 descendants in her wake. Those giraffes include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They span from New York to Hawaii at various AZA-accredited institutions, all part of the ongoing conservation efforts of the species.

In February, while Dadisi was being treated, Roxanna Breitigan, the Chief Operating Officer and former Director of Animal Care, discussed conservation efforts for the species.

“The Living Desert is home to many giraffes, each helping to share the story of their species’ silent extinction, which has resulted in roughly 100,000 giraffes left today,” Breitigan said. “The giraffe population is drastically decreasing, mainly due to habitat loss, but many people are unaware of the decline.”