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Giraffe dies after hitting its head on highway bridge

By Samantha Jordan
July 31, 2014

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A giraffe in South Africa was killed after hitting its head on a low bridge on a highway.

Two giraffes were traveling in an open truck bed when the vehicle approached an overpass.

“All we can ascertain at this stage is severe head trauma. We are continuing our investigation with the view to possibly lay criminal charges against those responsible,” Rick Allan of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told Johannesburg’s Eye Witness News.

Several drivers took pictures as the giraffes road down Pretoria's N1 Highway and posted them to social media after one of the giraffes hit its head.

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"Look how low that bridge is and how tall the giraffes are. Who thought this one through? I wish I hadn't seen this," was tweeted by @PabiMoloi.

@ewnreporter Truck with 2 giraffe just passed underneath Garsfontein rd on N1. 1 giraffe hit it's head on the bridge. pic.twitter.com/Bb3Jac3ew3

Took this pic on the N1 earlier.Just heard one Giraffe passed away! Apparently due to head trauma! So sad! @Radio702 pic.twitter.com/RNCMdALgl3

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