Dallas Zoo rules out common disease, COVID-19 vaccine as cause of giraffe deaths
DALLAS - The Dallas Zoo has ruled out a disease commonly found in captive animals as the cause of recent giraffe deaths.
Two adult giraffes – 19-year-old Auggie and 14-year-old Jessie – died within days of each other last month.
Both had liver damage, suggesting they ate or were exposed to something that was toxic.
RELATED: Dallas Zoo says two recent giraffe deaths likely connected to toxin
The zoo said it has been conducting lab tests and has ruled out a disease called encephalomyocarditis as their cause of death. It’s still waiting on results for other diseases.
Their feed, as well as the vegetation around their habitat, is being tested as well.
Some of the bushes in the giraffe’s main habitat were trimmed back as a precaution for the other animals. Zookeepers believe the area is safe for them to return to.
The other giraffes are being closely monitors but so far none are showing signs of the same aggressive illness.
"We are talking to experts daily & relying on lab results to guide us toward a possible source that would cause the type of liver damage seen in the necropsy in both animals. We still believe exposure to a toxin is a potential connection given the abnormal liver enzymes, but we are exploring every possible cause – from bacteria, to parasite, to diseases," the Dallas Zoo said in an update.
The zoo is certain the deaths were not related to the COVID-19 vaccine because the animals had not yet been vaccinated.
A third young giraffe was euthanized in October but that was due to an injury.
Dallas Zoo investigating connection between recent giraffe deaths
The Dallas Zoo is looking into a possible connection in the recent deaths of two giraffes, two of the three giraffe deaths at the zoo in just the last few weeks. Good Day gets the latest from Dallas Zoo Chief Mission Officer and Executive Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation Harrison Edell.
READ MORE:
Dallas Zoo reports 3rd giraffe death this month
Dallas Zoo mourning 19-year-old giraffe's death
Dallas Zoo euthanizes 3-month-old giraffe after 'catastrophic injury'
Dallas Zoo giraffe calf born on July 4 makes public debut
Dallas Zoo giraffe gives birth on July 4th
Dallas Zoo launches internal investigation after giraffe's death
Dallas Zoo giraffe, 1-year-old Witten, dies after being given anesthesia for exam
Dallas Zoo names baby giraffe after Jason Witten
Giraffe born at Dallas Zoo in April dies after breaking neck