The team at the Memphis Zoo is grieving the loss of one of their beloved giraffes.
On Thursday, the Tennessee facility confirmed that Angela Kate the giraffe sadly died after falling and injuring herself while in the exhibit overnight on March 5.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Angela Kate, one of the Memphis Zoo’s most popular and beloved female giraffes,” the zoo confirmed in a Facebook post.
“The seriousness of her injuries left no possibility of recovery and a difficult decision was made to humanely put her to sleep,” the statement said.
“While it is still unknown why it fell, the herd has been kept on display while extensive regrading and habitat re-establishment is a priority to ensure the safety of the remaining members of our herd.”
A rare flawless giraffe photographed in the wild weeks after the birth of a similar calf at a US zoo
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The Memphis Zoo is honoring beloved giraffe Angela Kate.
Memphis Zoo
Angela Kate, born at the zoo in 2006, “was the first surviving baby giraffe born at the Memphis Zoo in more than 15 years,” the message said.
The zoo also revealed where the name Angela Kate came from; Angela after the daughters of two employees who raised her in a bottle, and Kate after the millionth visitor to the zoo in 2006.
Flawless giraffe believed to be the only one “anywhere on the planet” born at Tennessee zoo
“Angela is fondly remembered for creating a ‘splash zone’ on the giraffe deck – a favorite pastime was dipping her ear into the waterer and dousing visitors with water (a trait she systematically taught other members of her herd). She was the first and most constant presence in conversations with giraffes and a giraffe deck. Angela Kate was known for never missing a free treat or snack,” the message continued.
Angela Kate’s calf, Ali, born in 2019, is still at the Memphis Zoo, while Panya, born in 2017, is currently at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Ja Raffe, born in 2020, is currently at the Hogle Zoo and Lily, born in 2022, is currently at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
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The team concluded, “The Memphis Zoo team deeply mourns the passing of Angela Kate, cherishing the memory of her tremendous presence. We also reflect on the profound impact she had on our zoo, as well as the countless lives she touched during her time with us. Her memory will live forever in our hearts and within the legacy of the Memphis Zoo.”
The Memphis Zoo is also home to giraffes Niklas, Wendy, Maliki, Ali and Lily, according to the website.
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Source: HIS Education