Jackson Zoo mourns loss of giraffe, Diamond

The Jackson Zoo’s reticulated giraffe Diamond was euthanized Tuesday after advanced age complications, pain and severe and worsening arthritis rendered her unable to stand or eat, the zoo announced.

Diamond, 28, had been among the country’s oldest living giraffes, and died just weeks shy of her 29th birthday, which would have been New Year’s Day.

Diamond, a Jackson Zoo fixture since her 1992 arrival, mothered eight calves there; three are believed to be living.

The zoo expressed deep sadness for the loss. “She inspired a fascination with animals in all who knew her. She was a favorite among zoo guest and staff alike. She will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by her keepers,” her keeper Jenny Ghents said in a release.

Zoo staff closely watched Diamond’s health for months, and had attempted to ease discomfort with medicine for pain and stiffness, but her condition worsened, and they made the difficult decision to euthanize.

“Due to Diamond’s advanced age and related medical issues, we could see that even with daily pain and anti-inflammatory medication that she no longer had quality of life,” zoo veterinarian Dr. Michael Holified said in the release.

A giraffe’s average lifespan in captivity is 20-25 years old. The zoo hopes to receive a new female reticulated giraffe next year, as a mate for the male reticulated giraffe, Casper.