Sydney Zoo Devastated As Gigi The Giraffe Dies Just Two Weeks After Arriving

Sydney Zoo has expressed its sadness and devastation after Gigi the giraffe died suddenly.

The animal was brought to the zoo in western Sydney a little more than two weeks ago, from Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

As the three-year-old giraffe became sick, zookeepers rushed her to a clinic. Despite their best efforts, however, they couldn't save her.

A statement from Sydney Zoo on social media said: "It is with a heavy heart we say a very sad goodbye to Gigi, our female Giraffe who suddenly and unexpectedly passed away last night.

9News

"Sydney University's Professor of Veterinary Pathology today joined our Veterinarian and began the tests which will determine the cause.

"Sydney Zoo welcomed our second giraffe Gigi during the Covid closure and she had quickly formed a strong bond with her companions. As we mourn this tragic loss she will be remembered for her friendly and cheeky nature.

"This is an extremely emotional time for our keepers who loved and cared for her."

9News

An investigation will be carried out to see whether the giraffe became sick during her travels from Queensland to New South Wales, whether she was sick before she left, or if she became ill after arriving at Sydney Zoo.

There is speculation that the sudden change in outside temperature from the two states could have triggered the illness.

Veterinary surgeon Dr Robert Zammit told 9News that the weather can have an impact on an animal, particularly of that size, and their ability to cope.

Sydney Zoo is now looking for a new companion for its only other giraffe, Eyelean.

Topics: News, Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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