A recent report said Twiga, a female Maasai giraffe, died at age 31 at a zoo in Texas. The giraffe is said to be one of the oldest giraffes in captivity.
Before Twiga passed away, she helped other giraffes to feel at ease in the Lufkin Zoo and was beloved by many people, who are mourning her death.
According to CNN and USA Today reports, Twiga is believed to be one of the oldest under the care of humans in the zoo.
Twiga was 31 years old, nine months and seven days, when she passed away. Living 31 years is extraordinary because the zoo said giraffes could live about 25 years.
According to the Ellen Trout Zoo's post, Twiga was a female Maasai giraffe. She came to life in Los Angeles Zoo in 1991.
The report noted that Twiga arrived at the Ellen Trout Zoo on June 4, 2008.
The female giraffe had been an important friend for two giraffes in the Zoo, Kellen and Luna, that helped them to become comfortable in the zoo.
Meanwhile, netizens who commented on the post said they would also miss Twiga in the zoo.
Giraffe in Australia
The Daily Mail also recently reported that a 20-year-old giraffe died due to old age at the Perth Zoo in Australia. He came to the zoo in 2005 and zoo keepers provided the best care for the giraffe.
According to the report, the zoo staff mourned the death of the charming giraffe named Armani. The giraffe became popular in the zoo because of its charismatic appearance.
Furthermore, the report noted that Armani played a significant role in the breeding program at the Perth Zoo. He is the father of seven calves that are now in New Zealand and parts of Australia.
More facts about Giraffe
More than the giraffe's long legs, they are considered amazing animals in the wild, being the tallest mammal in the world.
Here are important facts about them that you should know!
According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), people can find four different giraffe species in the wild:
- Maasai Giraffe
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Southern Giraffe
- Northern Giraffe
Moreover, the Britannica Encyclopedia explained that female giraffes can reach up to 2,600 pounds, while males can weigh 4,250 pounds.
Unlike other mammals, the report said that Giraffe doesn't drink much water daily. When female giraffe gives birth, they stand up. The report noted that giraffes have nursery groups to help with socialization.
Seaworld.org reported the life span of a giraffe can reach 20 to 25 years. They love to stay and roam around semi-arid areas, bush and savannah.
With their long neck, giraffes can easily track and see possible predators in the area. Their colors and markings are helpful to evade predators by hiding in trees.
They might be gigantic, but they are fast runners!
Related Article: Playful Young Giraffe in New York City Dies After Neck Stuck in Enclosure Gates
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