Marjani, the zoo’s male giraffe, had developed an infection in his hoof that was aggressively treated, but despite all the efforts, the infection did not respond.
TYLER, Texas — Workers at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler are mourning the loss of a beloved resident.
Marjani, the zoo’s male giraffe, had developed an infection in his hoof that was aggressively treated, but despite all the efforts, the infection did not respond adequately to the treatment. Zoo employees had to make the difficult decision to euthanize him, the zoo said in a social media post.
He came to Tyler in 2014, and he was born at the Bronx Zoo in 2011. His name symbolizes strength and beauty in the Swahili language.
“He impressed his keepers, who worked with him, with his handsome good looks and his keen interest. He was a favorite on the giraffe feeding deck and an active painter, contributing many artworks for sale in the gift shop that helped support our conservation programs,” the Caldwell Zoo said.
Some of his favorite treats were sweet potatoes, which he would actively forage from an enrichment container hung high in his barn.
“Giraffes are endangered in the wild, and it has been an honor to take care of such a magnificent animal and bring awareness to the real threats to the species. The Caldwell Zoo has contributed to conservation efforts for threatened species for decades, and in honor of Marjani, we will continue in the mission to help preserve wildlife,” the zoo’s statement read.
