Werribee Zoo euthanises beloved giraffe Amani due to untreatable condition.
Werribee Open Range Zoo has made the controversial yet compassionate decision to euthanise one of its most well-known giraffes, Amani, sparking both grief and reflection among staff and visitors.
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The 17-year-old male was euthanised on Tuesday, March 4, after veterinarians and external medical specialists determined that his condition was both untreatable and causing significant pain. Medical examinations, including X-rays and further tests, revealed an extensive lesion on his lower jawbone, leading to swelling and instability. With no viable treatment available, zoo staff concluded that euthanasia was the most humane option.
Amani, born in 2007 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, arrived at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2009 and quickly became a favourite among keepers and visitors alike. Known for his towering presence and gentle nature, he played a key role in caring for the zoo’s younger giraffes, Wayo, Jesse, and David, often leading them into their sleeping yards at night.
Giraffes in the wild typically live around 25 years, though they face threats such as habitat loss and predation. In captivity, with medical care and protection, they can live well into their late 20s. While some may question whether more could have been done to extend Amani’s life, others acknowledge the necessity of prioritising his welfare over prolonged suffering.
Zoo staff are awaiting further test results from The University of Melbourne’s pathologists to gain deeper insights into Amani’s condition. His passing has left a profound impact on keepers, some of whom had worked with him for nearly 16 years, as well as on the zoo’s many members and visitors.
