The Birmingham Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved residents, Jalil, a 20-year-old male giraffe known for his towering presence, gentle personality and love of interacting with guests.
Jalil was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, May 12, after years of treatment for age-related mobility challenges and a recent decline in health. According to the Zoo, the decision came after exhausting all humane treatment options to keep him comfortable.
Remembering Jalil the Giraffe
Born at the San Francisco Zoo on May 9, 2006, Jalil arrived in Birmingham in 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite. The name Jalil (which means “honored one” in Swahili) was chosen through a naming contest involving students from Ramsay High School when he first arrived in Birmingham.
Standing 16 feet tall and weighing around 2,400 pounds, he served as the Zoo’s only breeding bull for nearly two decades and fathered two calves: Griffin, born in 2014, and Mopane, born in 2024…