RACINE — The Racine Zoo announced Thursday the death of Jabari, a popular Masai giraffe who had been a fixture at the zoo since 2017.

Zoo officials said Jabari suffered a fall Thursday in his holding area and was unable to get back up.

More than 50 animal care specialists from across Wisconsin worked into the late evening, and made every effort to return Jabari to standing.

Despite the efforts of numerous veterinarians, animal care specialists, and firefighters from Racine and Milwaukee, attempts to help Jabari stand were unsuccessful.

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Jabari,” the zoo said in a statement. “Since his arrival in 2017, he has been a fan favorite, participating in giraffe feedings, education programs, and visits to the Land of the Giants.”

Jabari had recently welcomed a new giraffe, Shaq, to the zoo and the two had become close companions.

The zoo will be closed to the public on Friday to allow staff to grieve and care for the remaining animals.



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By staff

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