A giraffe mum and her baby calf both died mysteriously at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, within a span of one month in July. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the zoo has finally disclosed the mystery behind their tragic deaths.
Are you curious about what happened to them? Keep scrolling down for more details.
A Giraffe Mum And Her Calf Both Died Mysteriously At The Zoo
Penelope, the 10-year-old Masai giraffe, and her calf, Zuri, both met their untimely demise in circumstances that left zookeepers and visitors puzzled. However, a recent report has shed light on the tragic events that led to their deaths.
Penelope's cause of death was officially attributed to muscle trauma due to exertional rhabdomyolysis. This condition, described by the Department of Homeland Security as the "breakdown of skeletal muscle as a result of excessive physical training, work, or exercise," can have severe consequences.
In severe cases, it eventually led to kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and imbalances in blood metabolites. The muscle stiffness that accompanied the condition further exacerbated health problems.
Although The Zoo's Medical Team Tried Really Hard, Penelope's Condition Got Worse Quickly
Cameron Park Zoo shared in an interview, “Despite medical treatment, mum Penelope’s condition rapidly led to difficulty transitioning from lying down to standing up. In large animals such as giraffes, the inability to stand can lead to a multitude of issues, including further muscle damage, aspiration of stomach contents, and gastrointestinal disease.”
Sadly, the signs of her being stressed, which could have helped, weren't noticed in time, and that made her loss even sadder.
Source: Cameron Park Zoo
Zuri, the baby giraffe who was only a month old, also suffered a tragic fate. The report revealed that she got very sick with something called sepsis, which started with a tummy infection. This infection spread into her blood and caused more problems, like pneumonia and shock in her lungs.
Besides, they thought that the switch to bottle-feeding after her mom was gone might have made her stressed and contributed to her getting sick.
Penelope Could Have Lived Longer When She Was Taken Care Of By People
The Cameron Park Zoo expressed deep sadness over the loss of Penelope and Zuri. Penelope, the giraffe mom, was only 10 years old when she passed. In the wild, Masai giraffes typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but when they're taken care of by people, they can live up to 20 to 27 years.
The loss of Penelope and Zuri, these magnificent giraffes at the Cameron Park Zoo, fills our hearts with profound sadness.
What do you think about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Penelope and Zuri at the Cameron Park Zoo? We'd like to hear your thoughts and feelings about this heartbreaking loss.