‘The ultimate giraffe’: Kansas City Zoo has to euthanize its oldest Masai giraffe

The Kansas City Zoo announced Tuesday afternoon that their oldest Masai giraffe, Mahali, has died.

Mahali died on Oct. 19 at the age of 29, according to the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo shared that Mahali had to be euthanized because of a worsening chronic condition stemming from old age.

Mahali was born in 1994, and found a home at the Kansas City Zoo in April 1995. During her lifetime, she gave birth to three calves and has a line of grandchildren at other facilities across the country that are at zoos affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo praised Mahali for not only being the oldest, but also the tallest female of their giraffe herd, measuring over 15 feet. She will be remembered by those who came to observe her at the zoo for her long-lasting life and grand stature, zoo officials said.

Mahali, affectionately known as “Mo,” is remembered by zoo staff as being the “ultimate giraffe, and ambassador for a species that is considered endangered.” Mahali also apparently had a nurturing trait, and extended affection to her maternal calves and other calves.

The staff said they’ll remember “Mo” as an intelligent giraffe who excelled there zoo officials said. The announcement ended with a note from Mahali’s caregivers, saying, “She aged with grace, and earning her trust was one of their greatest accomplishments.”