The giraffe was named Sanburu but everyone knew him as Sam. Zoo workers sent the following statement explaining more about Sam's injury and his life at the Tulsa Zoo.
Having been born at the Tulsa Zoo 21 years ago, Sam lived longer than average for a male giraffe in human care, a testament to the quality care he received at the Tulsa Zoo. Male giraffes in human care rarely live to the oldest documented age of 27 years old and are considered geriatric in their early to mid-20s. "Our Tulsa Zoo staff and volunteers understandably developed strong bonds with Sam and this is an extremely difficult time for the zoo family, "said Joe Barkowski, VP of Animal Conservation and Science.
"He also had a very special place in the hearts of zoo guests and members, which we all observed firsthand when we celebrated his 21st birthday just last month." The Tulsa Zoo is home to two other giraffes, 6-year-old Lexi and 4-year-old Pili. In memory of Sam, friends can share their memories at the zoo's giraffe exhibit and on the zoo's Facebook page.