“We mourn his many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be attributed to establishing a step for giraffe awareness and giraffe conservation in the 21st century,” the publication read. . “While his footprints in the garden will erode over time, the imprint he has made on the hearts of people around the world will never fade.”
April veterinarians noticed that the giraffe showed noticeable signs of osteoarthritis in the summer of 2020. Despite its intense efforts (which included joint supplements, pain medications, dietary changes, hoof trimming and padded floors in the its barn), continued to lose mobility.
“For her guardians and our team here at the park, she is a beautiful member of our family and even though we knew that day would come, our hearts ache,” said the owner of the Animal Adventure Park Jordan Patch in a statement. “The impact of April on animal conservation and valuation is immeasurable and lasting.”
Her body has been escorted to Cornell University Veterinary School for an autopsy. After cremation, the April ashes will be returned to the Animal Adventure Park.