SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) – The NEW Zoo in Suamico suffered a big loss over the weekend.
The beloved giraffe Hodari passed away at the age of 15 after a brief illness.
“He was one of our most iconic animals out here,” said Curator of Animals Carmen Murach.
Although the Zoo Veterinarian and staff attended him during his final hours, he could not be saved. He died peacefully on Sunday around noon.
“He was very interested with people and had very close bonds with people that would spend time with him,” Murach said. “He had a very happy and healthy life. The life expectancy for a giraffe is about 13.5 years so he had a good life while he was here.”
Murach said things spiraled down fast over the weekend. A necropsy was performed immediately and full results will be available in 3 to 4 weeks.
“We don’t have all the results back yet, but it did look like he had some gastrointestinal issues that have probably been developing for a while.”
She said in recent days he was not as interested in eating hay and said he showed rare behavior signs of starting out into space and not acting the same from time to time.
He had been experiencing some signs of age-related issues. He was under treatment for arthritis for several years.
Hodari was well-liked by employees and visitors to the zoo and was also special to their only remaining giraffe Zuri.
Murach says she is doing okay, but they don’t want her to be alone for long.
“We certainly will be seeking a companion for her.”
She says giraffe’s do better in herds, but the process to replace Hodari can take some time.
“The actual logistics of moving a giraffe can be complicated.”
Murach says giraffes generally need to be moved when they are fairly young. She says the discussions of a replacement will begin soon.
