Elderly Giraffe Euthanized at Brookfield Zoo

A 24-year-old reticulated giraffe was humanely euthanized Oct. 28 at Brookfield Zoo after geriatric degenerative joint disease affected her quality of life.

Franny had been at Brookfield Zoo since 1992, and millions of zoo guests have visited her over the years, according to the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo.

Veterinary staff had been closely watching Franny for the past few years to monitor signs of decline from degenerative arthritis. The joint disease is a natural process in elderly animals and humans.

Vets used medication to help Franny maintain a comfortable life, but her condition had gotten worse recently, according to the society. It was hard for her to stay with the zoo’s herd.

The society reports the decision to euthanize Franny was difficult, and they are saddened by the loss.

Franny is survived by three calves. Her 8-year-old calf, Arnieta, still lives at the zoo. She is also survived by seven grand-calves and two great grand-calves who live at other accredited North American zoos, the society reports.

The other members of Brookfield Zoo’s giraffe herd include Potoka, 2; Jasiri, 10; and Mithra, 25. They can be seen at the zoo’s Habitat Africa! The Savannah.

“In addition to being a favorite of our staff and guests, Franny truly was an ambassador for the species in the wild,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs, in a statement. “Seeing a giraffe up close is an amazing experience, one that we hope inspires our guests to connect with and care about the species.”

Populations of reticulated giraffes have declined from about 29,000 to between 4,700 and 5,000 in the past decade because of poaching, habitat loss, civil unrest and resource competition, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

The Chicago Zoological Society has contributed funding to the Reticulated Giraffe Project, which is working to reverse the population decline, and has assisted with fieldwork in Kenya, Africa.

The Society will host the International Giraffid Conference in May 2016 to bring together conservation biologists and zoo professionals dedicated to the care of giraffe and okapi, the giraffe’s closest relative.

Photos of Franny courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society.