A 6-month-old nursing giraffe died Wednesday afternoon after being “unexpectedly startled by another giraffe,” the North Carolina Zoo said.
“The North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, a beloved six-month-old baby giraffe whose birth and presence at the zoo thrilled individuals around the world,” the zoo announced Thursday.
The zoo explained that Fenn, while nursing and after becoming frightened, “spinned” and fell to the ground after “colliding with a nearby door.”
“Unfortunately, Fenn sustained head and neck injuries from the fall and passed away late on the evening of December 13 despite prompt medical intervention by veterinary staff,” the statement said.
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Fenn was an “energetic and lively addition to the giraffe herd,” the zoo noted.[Fenn] he quickly became a valued member of the Zoo community. His playful antics and charming nature endeared him to staff and visitors alike.”
“He will be remembered with tenderness and love by all who knew him,” the zoo said in a statement.
Staff are “shocked and saddened” by Fenn’s “tragic death”, the zoo said, adding that grief counselors have been brought in to help staff members as they grieve.
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Fenn was born on May 20 at a zoo in North Carolina to mother Leia (14) and father Jack (15). At birth, he was 6 feet tall and weighed 145 pounds. He got his name after a public poll that won over 100,000 votes.
The zoo’s giraffes “serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins, giving our guests the opportunity to learn about these majestic creatures and the conservation challenges they face,” North Carolina Zoo Director Pat Simmons said in a statement after Fenn’s birth.
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The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro and cares for more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants.
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