Zoo mourns baby giraffe after tragic leg break

ABILENE, Texas – A Texas zoo is mourning the loss of a baby giraffe who died from a severe broken leg.

The Abilene Zoo said the giraffe, named Zahara, died on Oct. 2. The cause of the broken leg is still unclear.

Zoo officials said Zahara was born on July 20 to parents Malaika and Congo. Over the summer, the public voted for her name.

“With her playful and spirited personality, she was a valuable member of our giraffe herd,” zoo officials said in an online news release. “Her growing bond with her family endeared her to everyone she met. We know this news will be heartbreaking for many who have followed her journey from birth.”

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“We are deeply devastated by this tragic loss,” added Robert Trejo, general curator. “Zahara has brought great joy to our zoo family and community. We appreciate the overwhelming support and love that has been shown to Zahara since her birth, and our condolences go out to everyone who felt connected to her, especially her key carers.”

Zoo officials said they would monitor the rest of the zoo’s herd to ensure their safety and health.