Giraffe Calf Dies After Suffering Severe Injury At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, MI — A giraffe calf died after suffering a severe injury at the Detroit Zoo earlier this week, according to zoo officials.

Okidi, who was born at the zoo on Nov. 23, 2025, ran into a habitat viewing panel in her indoor habitat at the zoo, officials said.

The incident happened before the zoo opened for the day.

Animal care and veterinary teams immediately responded and monitored her around the clock. They determined through diagnostic testing that Okidi suffered a serious vertebral injury.

Due to the severity of the injury, zoo officials said vet teams were forced to euthanize Okidi.

"Given the severity of the injury and poor prognosis, our animal care and veterinary team made the humane but heartbreaking decision to euthanize Okidi," zoo officials said.

After the procedure, members of the giraffe herd — including Okidi’s mother, Zara — were allowed to observe the calf, a step the zoo says is important for maintaining herd dynamics. Staff will continue to monitor and provide additional care to Zara and the other giraffes, Jabari, Mpenzi and Kivuli.

"Okidi brought joy to so many, and she was deeply loved by those who cared for her each day," zoo officials said. "We are grateful to our staff for their compassion and expertise, and to our community for holding space with us as we mourn this loss."