PEORIA (May 1, 2024) – With profound sadness, the Peoria Park District and Peoria Zoo announces the passing of Taji, the male giraffe at Peoria Zoo, who was humanely euthanized on April 30, 2024.
Just weeks ago, Taji received “new shoes” after a broken bone in his left foot was discovered. The specialized shoe was intended to alleviate pressure on the affected area, facilitating the healing process. On Monday, his care team discovered, through both observation and camera footage, that despite assistance, he was unable to stand. As this continued without improvement, Peoria Zoo staff, in collaboration with the veterinary team, made the heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize.
Taji came to Peoria Zoo as one of the original occupants of the Africa! exhibit, arriving in July 2007 at just over 1 year of age and a scant 158 pounds. At nearly 17 years old and over 2,300 pounds, he surpassed the median life expectancy for a male giraffe in managed care (13.4 years).
“People were often intimidated standing close to Taji due to his imposing presence, but he was amazingly gentle, connecting with visitors as he delicately took food from their hands,” stated Yvonne Strode, Zoo Director.
While at Peoria Zoo, Taji and his mate Vivian, welcomed two calves, Finley in 2016 and Zara in 2018. Finley now resides at Lincoln Park Zoo and Zara at Detroit Zoo. Roz Wolfram, Taji’s primary keeper, will always remember the way he played with his offspring, “firm but gentle” in teaching them how to be giraffe.
Vivian and Emy, Taji’s companions, now make up the tower at Peoria Zoo, and remain on exhibit. The Giraffe Species Survival Program (SSP) leader, a program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will be contacted so a decision can be made on future additions to the giraffe population at Peoria Zoo.
Memorials in Taji’s memory may be made to the Zoo’s Adopt an Animal program by visiting peoriazoo.org.
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