The "Crooked-necked Giraffe"
Gemina, (July 16, 1986 – January 9, 2008) the "crooked-necked giraffe," was one of the most popular animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. A Baringo giraffe, she was born with a straight neck at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. At the age of three she developed a bend in her neck. The zoo's veterinarian said that despite her deformity, “Gemina led a very typical existence and was treated as a normal member of the herd. She did not appear to be in discomfort and exhibited normal giraffe behaviors.”
Gemina was euthanized at the age of 21 years. "Consistent with the challenges of old age," she had lost her appetite and experienced a decline in quality of life. It is believed that her deformity was not a cause of the condition that led to the decision to euthanize her.
Read more about this topic: Santa Barbara Zoo
Famous quotes containing the word giraffe:
“All that blesses the step of the antelope
all the grace a giraffe lifts to the highest leaves
all steadfastness and pleasant gazing, alien to ennui,
dwell secretly behind man’s misery.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)