2nd Giraffe Euthanized At Denver Zoo

DENVER, CO – The Denver Zoo announced that veterinarians had "humanely euthanized' a 23-year-old reticulated giraffe whose health issues had made "significant changes in her quality of life." This was the second giraffe euthanized by the zoo in the past year.

Masika, nicknamed "The Princess" by her keepers and fans was born at the Denver Zoo and gave birth to seven calves during her 23 years at the zoo, the zoo said on their Facebook page. Masika was the aunt of new baby giraffe Dobby, born in spring of 2017.

"In her later years, Masika developed health issues found in older giraffes," the zoo said. "Our keepers and veterinarian team closely monitored those issues over the last several months, and after they noticed significant changes in her quality of life, made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her."

In October of 2018, the zoo announced the death of male giraffe, Dikembe, 24, who was thought to be the oldest living male of the species in a U.S. zoo.

Masika will be "sorely missed by staff, volunteers and guests," the zoo said in a statement.

Related: Elderly Giraffe, 24, Euthanized At Denver Zoo

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