The Calgary Zoo announced the recent death of its female Masai giraffe Emara was an accident. .“Our entire zoo family is still mourning this sudden and tragic loss,” said Calgary Zoo Interim Associate Director, Animal Care and Welfare Colleen Baird in a Monday press release. .“From the staff and volunteers who loved and cared for her to the visitors she inspired each visit, Emara will be missed by all.” .The Calgary Zoo’s Animal Care, Health, and Welfare staff found Emara unresponsive against the fence in the African Savannah Yard in the morning on May 19. It added a complete neuropsy was conducted and revealed Emara died quickly due to a broken neck. .This event took place before any staff were present to witness what happened. Evidence shows she caught one of her horns on a cable surrounding the African Savannah Yard. .The release went on to say this likely led to a fall against the fence and the associated broken neck. While her death appears to be an isolated accident, the Calgary Zoo is evaluating the African Savannah Yard fencing to determine if any modifications should be made to improve the safety of the animals in it. .“At 12 years old, Emara was in the prime of her life and had been in excellent health prior to this, so her unexpected departure is being felt deeply by all of us,” said Calgary Zoo Interim Associate Director, Animal Health and Welfare Dr. Doug Whiteside. .“The health and well-being of all the animals in our care is our top priority.”.The Calgary Zoo is among zoos and aquariums that have achieved the accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) governing zoo operations and has maintained it since 1978. As a response to the accident, AZA has been notified. .The release said Emara came to the Calgary Zoo in 2016 from the San Diego Zoo and was a treasured member of the community since. She was known for her cautious yet curious personality and her gentle nature. .The Calgary Zoo asked the public to keep its staff in their thoughts as they continue to mourn this loss. Grief counsellors are being made available to staff. .Whiteside acknowledged major life changes such as this “not only affect our people, but can affect our animal residents as well.” .“We are closely monitoring the zoo’s remaining giraffes, Nabo and Moshi, and so far they are doing well,” he said. .A scene from the Last of Us with a giraffe which aired in March used an actual animal from the Calgary Zoo. .READ MORE: REEL LIFE: Last of Us scene featured live giraffe from Calgary Zoo.“Yes, you can create a giraffe in visual effects, but it’s just not the same,” said Last of Us location manager Matt Palmer. .While the Calgary Zoo has a few giraffes, Nabo was chosen for the role.
