Calif. Zoo Mourns Crooked Neck Giraffe
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. --
by John Boitnott, Web Producer
Gemina the “crooked-necked giraffe,” one of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s most recognizable and beloved animals, was euthanized Wednesday.
“We observed a decline in her appetite over the past two weeks and she had stopped eating all together,” said Alan Varsik, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Programs and Conservation.
“The welfare of our animals is the No. 1 concern here at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and her declining condition appeared to affect her quality of life," Varsik said. "We did everything we could but the time came when we had to make the humane decision. She was off exhibit in the giraffe barn when she died.”A necropsy has been performed, though the results will not be available for several weeks, zoo officials said in a statement.
It is believed that her final ailment was not related to her neck condition, officials said.“Her demise is consistent with the challenges of old age,” said Varsik.“Though a few giraffes in captivity have been known to live into their late-20s, reaching age 21 is considered an achievement,” said Rich Block, zoo CEO & Director. “She was a great animal ambassador, showing that differences can be accepted and even celebrated. She will be missed.”This popular animal recently celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a serenade by Zoo Campers, a “giraffe-sized” birthday card, and a special treat of acacia, her favorite food, zoo officials said.A humorous, zoo-produced video about Gemina was created at that time and can be viewed on the Zoo’s Web page, SBZO
rg.The Web page also has a place for the public to post remembrances about Gemina and to make donations in her memory.Gemina was born July 16, 1986, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park to Ginger and Black Jack, who were both born at the San Diego Zoo.She has lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo since she was about 1 year old, zoo officials said in a statement.Her condition began around age 3 and has developed over the years, though the cause is unknown.She had been X-rayed and examined by the Zoo’s veterinarian, but the findings were not conclusive, officials said.“She received quality care throughout her entire life,” said Varsik. “Gemina led a very typical existence and was treated as a normal member of the herd. She did not appear to be in discomfort and exhibited normal giraffe behaviors.”A generation of central California school children has grown up with Gemina and made her a popular local figure, according to the zoo."'Why does that giraffe have a crooked neck?' was the most asked question at the Zoo for many years (asked more often than “where’s the bathroom?”
," the statement read.The zoo’s giraffe herd remains on exhibit and is includes of one male, Taru (age 15), and two females: Sulima, age 17; and Eritrea, age 7.They are all Baringo (or Rothschild’s) giraffes, which are found in Uganda and in western Kenya.There were no plans to expand the herd at this time, officials said.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. --
by John Boitnott, Web Producer
Gemina the “crooked-necked giraffe,” one of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s most recognizable and beloved animals, was euthanized Wednesday.
“We observed a decline in her appetite over the past two weeks and she had stopped eating all together,” said Alan Varsik, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Programs and Conservation.
“The welfare of our animals is the No. 1 concern here at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and her declining condition appeared to affect her quality of life," Varsik said. "We did everything we could but the time came when we had to make the humane decision. She was off exhibit in the giraffe barn when she died.”A necropsy has been performed, though the results will not be available for several weeks, zoo officials said in a statement.
It is believed that her final ailment was not related to her neck condition, officials said.“Her demise is consistent with the challenges of old age,” said Varsik.“Though a few giraffes in captivity have been known to live into their late-20s, reaching age 21 is considered an achievement,” said Rich Block, zoo CEO & Director. “She was a great animal ambassador, showing that differences can be accepted and even celebrated. She will be missed.”This popular animal recently celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a serenade by Zoo Campers, a “giraffe-sized” birthday card, and a special treat of acacia, her favorite food, zoo officials said.A humorous, zoo-produced video about Gemina was created at that time and can be viewed on the Zoo’s Web page, SBZO
rg.The Web page also has a place for the public to post remembrances about Gemina and to make donations in her memory.Gemina was born July 16, 1986, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park to Ginger and Black Jack, who were both born at the San Diego Zoo.She has lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo since she was about 1 year old, zoo officials said in a statement.Her condition began around age 3 and has developed over the years, though the cause is unknown.She had been X-rayed and examined by the Zoo’s veterinarian, but the findings were not conclusive, officials said.“She received quality care throughout her entire life,” said Varsik. “Gemina led a very typical existence and was treated as a normal member of the herd. She did not appear to be in discomfort and exhibited normal giraffe behaviors.”A generation of central California school children has grown up with Gemina and made her a popular local figure, according to the zoo."'Why does that giraffe have a crooked neck?' was the most asked question at the Zoo for many years (asked more often than “where’s the bathroom?”," the statement read.The zoo’s giraffe herd remains on exhibit and is includes of one male, Taru (age 15), and two females: Sulima, age 17; and Eritrea, age 7.They are all Baringo (or Rothschild’s) giraffes, which are found in Uganda and in western Kenya.There were no plans to expand the herd at this time, officials said.
