The Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its residents Friday.
According to a post on their website, their Masai giraffe Emara was found dead in the African Savannah yard early Friday morning.
Emara celebrated her 12th birthday on Thursday. She was a 14-foot-tall giraffe, one of the zoo’s tallest residents.
She joined the Zoo in 2016.
“Losing any of the animals we love and care for is heartbreaking but it’s especially so when the passing is unexpected,” the Zoo said in their post.
“Our Veterinary team won’t know her cause of death firmly until a necropsy is completed, and we’ll share more information when we know it.”
The Zoo’s animal care team will be monitoring other giraffes Nabo and Moshi to see the impact of losing their mate.
“We know this loss will be felt by many, especially Emara’s dedicated caregivers. Please keep them in your thoughts on this very difficult day.
Emara gave birth to a male giraffe at the Zoo back in 2019, but days later it died.
The Zoo did not provide any additional information on the events surrounding Emara’s death, referring LWC back to the social media post.
They said more information may be available next week.
