A giraffe named Twiga, one of the oldest giraffes in human care, passed away over the weekend at an East Texas zoo. Twiga, who was 31 years old, was found dead on Saturday morning at the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin. The zoo’s director, Gordon Henley, confirmed the news.
Twiga, a Masai giraffe, would have celebrated its 32nd birthday on October 1. Born at the Los Angeles Zoo, she later moved to the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin before finally arriving at the Ellen Trout Zoo in June 2008. Throughout her time at the zoo, Twiga provided companionship and guidance to the other giraffes.
According to Henley, the average life expectancy for Masai giraffes is usually around 25 to 26 years. Twiga had been displaying signs of her age, occasionally walking with a limp. However, she received extensive care and attention from the keeper staff and veterinarian.
“We knew that based on her age, it was probably not going to be much longer. But that doesn’t make it any easier when it happens,” Henley expressed, reflecting on Twiga’s passing.
Twiga’s demise follows the deaths of other elderly giraffes in recent years. In 2017, a giraffe named Ursula passed away at the age of 32 at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, while in 2021, a giraffe named Mutangi died at the age of 31 at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia.
The loss of Twiga, who had become an integral part of the Ellen Trout Zoo community, is certainly a sad event for the zoo staff and visitors alike. Her memory will undoubtedly be cherished, as she leaves behind a legacy of companionship and guidance for her fellow giraffes.
As the Ellen Trout Zoo mourns the loss of Twiga, efforts to provide the best care and support for the remaining animals continue. Giraffe enthusiasts and zoo visitors alike will surely remember Twiga as a symbol of resilience and grace, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life.