Beloved Giraffe from Upstate New York Animal Park Suddenly Dies

A 20-year-old giraffe who had been a beloved part of an Upstate New York animal park for 6 years suddenly died over the weekend, according to park officials, who posted the sad news on social media.

Female Giraffe, "Joh," Passes Away

A Facebook post by Animal Adventure Park and Preserve, an educational, self-drive animal park in Harpusville, shared the sad and sudden news about the passing of Johari, a 20-year-old female reticulated giraffe who visitors referred to as "Joh."

“She was a wonderful ambassador for the species, and we take comfort in knowing she lived a long, healthy life. We appreciate time and space as we cope with this loss.” Jordan Patch, owner of Animal Adventure Park

Johari, which means "jewel" in Swahili, resided at the accredited Harpursville facility, which is located about two hours southwest of Albany, for the past six years, where she was "embraced and endeared by guests and Giraffe Cam viewers, our animal care team adored her,”

How Did She Die?

According to the staff members, surveillance cameras captured Johari’s passing just before 6 am on Saturday. Despite the sudden passing, according to the park, there was no evidence of "illness, injury, entrapment, or entanglement."

“Johari received monthly examinations by the zoo’s veterinary team, and the 20-year-old female giraffe has been in good health,” said Jonathan Bergmann, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. “The necropsy will provide complete details, but at this time, an acute cardiac event is suspected.”

The average life expectancy for giraffes in human care is 20 to 25 years.

"Joh," according to AAP staff, was taken to Cornell University for a necropsy to determine the specific cause of death.