30-year-old giraffe dies at Sri Lanka’s Dehiwala Zoo

An elderly female giraffe at Sri Lanka’s Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens has died at around 30 years of age, with officials saying the death may have been caused by natural conditions linked to old age.

Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens Dr. R. C. Rajapaksa said the giraffe died last night (August 18).

He said giraffes generally live for about 20 to 25 years in the wild, although they can live longer in a zoo environment.

No serious illness had been reported in the giraffe before its death. Officials have observed that the animal may have died due to natural conditions associated with old age.

Further post-mortem examinations are scheduled to be carried out today (August 19) to determine more details about the cause of death.

According to the Department, the giraffe was able to live for nearly 30 years due to the care provided at the zoo, including protection from predators, nutritious and balanced food based on its needs, clean and suitable living conditions, regular monitoring and necessary veterinary treatment.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Zoological Gardens expects to bring two new pairs of giraffes before the end of this year under its animal exchange programmes.

The programmes are carried out to support animal welfare, maintain genetic diversity and promote animal conservation.

The Department said the arrival of the new giraffes will give local and foreign visitors, as well as other members of the public, an opportunity to see giraffes at the zoo in the future.