Brookfield Zoo Giraffe Dies At Age 27

BROOKFIELD, IL — The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, sadly announced the loss of its matriarchal giraffe, Mithra. At 27, she was one of the oldest giraffes in a North American accredited zoo and surpassed the median life expectancy for the species in professional care.

The zoo said at an elderly age, Mithra was affected by degenerative changes in her joints and physical condition encountered by all species as they get older. Over the past year, veterinary and animal care staff closely monitored Mithra’s condition. With dedicated care during this time, she had remained comfortable and was able to still be with the other giraffes in the zoo’s herd. Recently, however, Mithra’s physical condition had declined, prompting staff to reach the difficult decision that euthanasia was the most appropriate option for her well-being.

“Mithra’s longevity speaks to the advancements made in veterinary care and animal welfare over the past decade,” Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for CZS, said in a release. “Just like losing a dog or other pet that has been part of one’s family for many years, it is always heartbreaking when we lose an animal at the zoo. However, it is comforting knowing that we provided Mithra with the best possible care, which contributed to her long life.”

According to the zoo, Mithra had been at Brookfield Zoo for the past 25 years, arriving in September 1992. Guests first saw her in the zoo’s former Giraffe House before she and the rest of the herd moved to their current home at Habitat Africa! The Savannah! in 1993. The following year, she gave birth to a male offspring, who went on to sire several of his own calves, continuing her legacy and genetic line with a grandson, two granddaughters, and four great-grandsons.

Over the years, millions of zoogoers were able to see Mithra and the rest of the giraffe herd.

“The majority of the public who visit zoos will never have the opportunity to see the gracefulness of this amazing animal in its native habitat. We hope our guests who came to see Mithra, as well as the hundreds of other amazing creatures that call Brookfield Zoo home, will be inspired to care and connect with the natural world,” Zeigler said in a release.

The current herd at Brookfield Zoo includes Jasiri, 12; Arnieta, 10; Potoka, 4; and Ato, 2.

Photos provided by Chicago Zoological Society.