Ndale the giraffe at Hamilton Zoo. Photo: Hamilton Zoo / supplied
A Hamilton Zoo giraffe has died after undergoing a health check-up procedure.
Ndale, a 19 year-old male giraffe Hamilton Zoo, died a day after being anaesthetised as part of a health check-up.
Ndale was anaesthetised on Wednesday to undergo health checks, and released back into the zoo on the same day.
"Ndale was a geriatric giraffe, trained to allow keepers to get blood samples. Based on an initial assessment from blood samples, it showed he was in a good condition to undertake the procedure," Hamilton Zoo head veterinarian Richard Sim said.
"The zoo team were really happy with how the procedure went and we were able to fix a number of concerns we had for his health."
He said big animals under anaesthesia could be risky.
"Anaesthesia in such a tall, big animal is never without risk, but [Ndale] was moving around by the end of the day".
On Thursday morning the animal was found on the ground unable to stand, Sim said.
"The zoo team responded quickly to support Ndale, make him more comfortable and were able to get him on his feet. With signs of weakness, he later collapsed, stopped breathing and passed away".
The senior giraffe had lived in the zoo since he was one year old.
Sin said Ndale would be dearly missed by all.
"This includes his herd mates Masamba and Dume, the two remaining male giraffes here at Hamilton Zoo."
Team leader Eddie Cheadle said the team was devastated.
"Ndale was many of the keepers' favourite as he was such a chilled-out giraffe who was friendlier than most.
"We are in a bit of shock at his sudden departure and we will miss him a lot".
She said Ndale was the giraffe that was most comfortable with keepers at the zoo.
"[He holds] a special place in many of our hearts. Whether through spending time training him for behaviours or simply enjoying small moments with him during the day, he has impacted many of us and will be sorely missed."
Ndale will be buried at the Hamilton Zoo after a farewell ceremony.
