(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The oldest giraffe at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) has died just five days after the passing of another giraffe at the zoo.
On Sunday, March 8, male giraffe Mashama passed away at 16 years old, the median life expectancy for a male giraffe in human care. CMZoo stated that Mashama had been having good days and bad days, but there were far more good than bad. Despite consistent care and monitoring and weekly diagnostics, no patterns or causes for his “off” days were found, and he passed away somewhat unexpectedly at around 1 a.m. on Sunday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo mourns loss of beloved giraffe Mashama
Just five days later, on Friday, March 13, female reticulated giraffe Muziki passed away at the age of 27–the oldest giraffe in the CMZoo herd and fifth oldest in human care in the country.
Bob Chastain, CMZoo President and CEO, addressed the difficult week in a letter to CMZoo members…