Birmingham Zoo mourns Willow: Remembering a cherished giraffe
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Willow, a beloved 16-year-old female reticulated giraffe at the Birmingham Zoo passed away on Friday, December 27th.
Born at the zoo in 2008, Willow spent her entire life there, touching the lives of everyone she met.
Willow – “not been feeling well for several days”
According to a social media post and a letter to zoo members, Willow had not been feeling well for several days. Her appetite was declining. Even though a Thursday examination went well, the Zoo was unable to find out what was wrong with the much-loved giraffe.
From the Birmingham Zoo’s Facebook post:
“After the exam, Willow did not get back up and quietly passed Friday morning December 27th, despite the heroic efforts of our animal care and animal health staff. The specific cause remains unknown, but a necropsy has been performed and tissues have been sent for evaluation.”
With Willow’s passing, a herd of four reticulated giraffes stay at the Birmingham Zoo:
- Jalil, 18 year-old male
- Zuri, 14 year-old female
- Ruby, 5 year-old female
- Mopane, 5 month old female
Spent entire life at Birmingham Zoo
“I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to our zoo team for the loving care they have shown Willow throughout her entire life at the Birmingham Zoo and, especially, in her final hours. I ask that everyone keep the animal care and animal health teams in your thoughts.”
Chris Pfefferkorn, Birmingham Zoo President and CEO wrote in a letter to Zoo members
Did you visit Willow at the Birmingham Zoo? Celebrate her life by telling us your favorite memory by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow
