The Greater Vancouver Zoo is mourning the loss of Jenga, an eight-year-old giraffe who was a well-loved figure among staff and visitors. Jenga was found peacefully resting in his barn stall around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly after being seen enjoying his afternoon meal in the giraffe yard.
Known for his bold and curious nature, Jenga was a favourite among zoo staff, which formed deep bonds with him, notes a press release from the Vancouver Zoo. As they await the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death, zoo officials report that the other giraffes in the enclosure are showing normal, healthy behaviour.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our dedicated Animal Care team,” the zoo said in a statement, encouraging the public to share messages of support. The zoo highlighted that these messages will offer comfort as the team continues its conservation work.
Jenga’s passing comes as the zoo renews its focus on conservation efforts. Giraffes are currently facing a “silent extinction” in the wild, with populations threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The Greater Vancouver Zoo, which recently passed an inspection and renewed its accreditation with Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), emphasizes its commitment to providing top-quality care and protecting endangered species.
“Jenga was more than just a member of our zoo family; he was a symbol of hope and education,” the zoo stated, noting the importance of his role in engaging the public on giraffe conservation.
The zoo invites the community to honour Jenga’s memory by supporting ongoing conservation efforts, aiming to make a lasting impact on protecting giraffes and other species at risk. Despite this loss, the Greater Vancouver Zoo remains committed to safeguarding wildlife and educating the public about the importance of conservation. Jenga’s legacy, they say, will inspire their continued efforts to protect animals and their habitats.
Enough deaths in this zoo. Zoos are cruel, prisons. SHUT IT DOWN.