‘Freak accident’ kills young giraffe at zoo
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A young giraffe died Tuesday in what is being called a "freak accident."
Zoo Miami released a statement Wednesday that said, "'Wesley,' a young male giraffe that was born last May at the zoo, had to be euthanized yesterday after he lodged his head between two posts, panicked, and caused an apparent spinal injury that eventually prevented him from being able to stand and maintain his equilibrium."
Wesley was trying to observe a procedure another giraffe was undergoing. He left the exhibit and went into the holding area, where the accident occurred.
"He was able to squeeze his head between two posts that were separating the exhibit from the holding area and when he lowered his neck, his head became lodged," the zoo said. "Though the staff was able to dislodge him within a few minutes, it was too late to prevent significant injury to the giraffe.
Veterinary staff worked "for several hours" to treat the injuries, but the health of the giraffe continued to decline and he was euthanized.
The zoo said the accident "is the first of its kind in the zoo's history."
The zoo is examining all other enclosures to ensure the safety of other animals. To prevent a similar incident happening again in the giraffe exhibit, the gaps will be closed.
GIRAFFE DIES IN ZOO MIAMI: A young giraffe died following a "freak accident" in Zoo Miami on Tuesday morning. Wesley, an...
Posted by FB Newswire on Thursday, January 7, 2016
