Denver Zoo Mourns the Death of Kazi the Giraffe

We’re deeply saddened to share that Kazi (Kah-zee), one of our 2-year-old male reticulated giraffes, died yesterday due to complications following a routine medical procedure. Kazi was undergoing castration, which is a common practice in zoos to decrease male giraffes’ competitive, aggressive nature, and allow multiple non-breeding males to peacefully coexist. We intended to castrate Kazi—just as we had done with Dobby—to help ensure that the pair would be able to live together and be strong social companions for many years to come.

According to our Animal Health team, the surgical procedure went well and was successfully completed.  However, Kazi developed abnormal breathing as he was recovering from anesthesia and then stopped breathing altogether. The veterinary medical staff on-hand took immediate action and did everything in their power to resuscitate Kazi, including reintubating him and performing CPR, but to no avail.

Kazi arrived to Denver Zoo from Milwaukee Zoo in September to be a social companion for Dobby, and quickly settled in to his new home, bonding with both his Animal Care team and the other giraffes in the herd. He was best described as a laid back, social animal who loved to engage with guests. Although his time at the Zoo was far too short, Kazi touched the many guests, staff members and volunteers who were lucky enough to be in his 10-foot-tall presence.