MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Zoo is mourning the death of one of its giraffes after she was injured in a fall earlier this month.
Zoo officials said ‘Angela Kate’ fell in the exhibit overnight on March 5.
“The severity of her injuries left no possibility for recovery, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her,” said a statement from the Zoo.
Zoo officials said they don’t know why Angela Kate fell, so the herd has been moved off exhibit so it can undergo regrading and resurfacing for the safety of the remaining giraffes.
Angela Kate was a lifelong member of the Memphis Zoo family, born in 2006. She was the first surviving calf born at the zoo in more than 15 years, and named after the daughters of two staff members who bottle-fed her (Angela) as well as the Zoo’s millionth visitor (Kate).
Zoo leaders said Angela Kate was a constant fixture on the giraffe deck and enjoyed splashing visitors with water.
Angela Kate had four calves during her life. Al remains at the Memphis Zoo, while Ja Raffe is now at the Hogle Zoo, Panya is as Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Lily is at Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo.
“The Memphis Zoo team mourns deeply for Angela Kate's passing, cherishing the memory of her immense presence. We also reflect on the profound impact she had on both our Zoo as well as the countless lives she touched during her time with us. Her memory will forever live on in our hearts and within the legacy of Memphis Zoo,” said the statement.”
