Auckland Zoo's much loved giraffe Zabulu dies

Wednesday, 19 April 2017

Auckland Zoo's much-loved elderly giraffe Zabulu has died after falling ill.

The 19-year-old giraffe been unwell over the past week but deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday.

Despite efforts Zabulu's welfare and quality of life could not be maintained and he was euthanised on Wednesday, Auckland Zoo said.

Zabulu was an iconic member of the zoo who fathered 15 giraffe calves and won the hearts of thousands of visitors, the zoo said.​

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'Our thoughts go out to all our staff, volunteers, and everyone who loved Zabulu – and would like to thank our incredible team of Pridelands keepers and vet team for their hard work and dedication to Zabulu over the years,' the zoo said.

Three giraffes now remain at the zoo, Kabili and adult females Rukiya and Kiraka. 

In February this year, the zoo's 15-month-old giraffe Mtundu left Auckland for a new life at Mogo Zoo on the southern coast of New South Wales, Australia.