LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo announced today the loss of Malaika, a 23-year-old female Masai giraffe.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville Zoo announces passing of Malaika, 23-year-old female giraffe
- Keepers, Zoo veterinarians made decision to euthanize her due to deterioration in quality of life, no signs of improvement
- Malaika has been at Zoo since 1997
Malaika was battling musculoskeletal problems over the last several months that led to stiffness, lameness, and difficulty moving. While staff were managing her pain, a welfare assessment showed a deterioration in her quality of life with no signs of improvement. In reponse, Malaika's keepers, along with Zoo veterinarians, decided to humanely euthanize her earlier today.
“Malaika had a good, long life and was able to thrive much longer because of the excellent care our staff provides,” said John Walczak, director of the Zoo. “The remnant wild is a tough place, and she would have never lived as long under the constant pressures of that environment. We hope the community will join us in remembering Malaika and the joy she brought to so many people.”
Malaika, originally born at the Los Angeles Zoo, arrived in Louisville in 1997. Between 2000 and 2012, she gave birth to five bull calves.
“Our top priority is the comfort level of the animals,” said Dr. Zoli Gyimesi, Zoo senior veterinarian. “They are like family to so many of us, and we always do everything we can to ensure their well-being. This was a very tough decision to make, but when looking at Malaika’s deteriorating health, we knew it was the right decision to make.”
Malaika was joined by two other Masai giraffes in her exhibit, including 4-year-old male giraffe Baridi and 3-year-old female giraffe Kianga.
Masai giraffes, reaching between 15 to 18 ft. and weighing between 1800 to 2600 lbs., are the largest subspecies of giraffe and the tallest land mammals on Earth. Masai giraffes are native to East Africa; however, populations are suffering due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and disease. They are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
For female giraffes, the mean life expectancy is 20.2 years, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.