An elderly female giraffe at the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens died overnight on Tuesday, the Department of National Zoological Gardens has said.
The animal was approximately 30 years old. Director General of the National Zoological Gardens Dr. R. C. Rajapaksa said no specific illness had been reported in the giraffe before its death, and that it is believed to have died of natural causes associated with old age.
A post-mortem examination was scheduled for Wednesday to establish the cause of death.
A long life for the species
Giraffes in the wild generally live around 20 to 25 years, Dr. Rajapaksa said, while animals kept under professional care can live longer.
The department attributed the giraffe’s near-30-year lifespan to protection from predators, a balanced diet tailored to its needs, clean and suitable enclosures, continuous monitoring and veterinary care.
Two new pairs expected
The department said two new pairs of giraffes are scheduled to be brought to Dehiwala before the end of this year, under animal exchange programmes intended to support animal welfare, maintain genetic diversity and promote conservation.
Neither Ada Derana nor Daily Mirror reported where the incoming animals will come from, or what the exchange involves on Sri Lanka’s side.
Dehiwala is one of Sri Lanka’s main state-run animal attractions, alongside the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, whose rescued elephant Sumana is among its best-known residents.
