Detroit Zoo Euthanizes Young Injured Giraffe

ROYAL OAK, MI — Nguvu, a young giraffe at the Detroit Zoo, was humanely euthanized after he was seriously injured Saturday, zoo officials said.

Zoo officials said Nguvu was hurt during an interaction with other giraffes in the outdoor habitat.

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Officials and care teams responded immediately, but Nguvu's condition worsened. Officials said his injuries were too severe to overcome and they decided to humanely euthanize him.

Nguvu joined the zoo earlier this year, and despite his short stay, officials said he was deeply loved by the people who cared for him every day.

"This loss has been especially difficult for our animal care and veterinary teams, who gave him extraordinary care from the moment he was injured until the very end," zoo officials said. "Caring for wildlife is both a privilege and a profound responsibility."

Officials said they will carefully review the incident.

Nguvu joined the Detroit Zoo from the Hogle Zoo in Utah in May.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan recommended Nguvu's move to the Detroit Zoo.

The group helps to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos across the nation.