Como Zoo’s beloved giraffe Daisy passes away

(ABC 6 News) – Thursday, Como Zoo in St. Paul announced the passing of a beloved member of its reticulated giraffe herd, Daisy. 

The 23-year-old female Giraffe suffered from severe degenerative arthritis which, for a large herbivore who spends 20 hours a day on her feet, can be crippling.

It was apparent that it had affected her mobility, her ability to rest, and that she was in pain. Como’s animal care staff and veterinary staff worked together on a pain management plan to keep Daisy comfortable for as long as possible to manage her degenerative arthritis.

Daisy was considered geriatric for a giraffe, and her quality of life had steadily declined to a point that the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her early this morning, Thursday,

Daisy came to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory from San Diego Wild Animal Park in October 2002 at almost 3 years old on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Daisy had eight calves in her lifetime, many of which are living around the country in other AZA Accredited zoos.

“Daisy was a strong, beautiful matriarch – quick to judge and slow to accept her human coworkers” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. 

As the matriarch of Como Zoo’s giraffe herd, and after almost 20 years at Como, she touched the hearts of staff, volunteers, and the public. She will be extremely missed by all. Como’s herd now consists of female Clover and male Skeeter.