The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has lost its oldest giraffe. Uzuri, a female reticulated giraffe, was put down Wednesday after a lengthy battle with arthritis. She was 26 years old.

“Due to diminishing quality of life, the decision was made for euthanasia,” says the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Shannon Nodolf. That’s not to say Uzuri’s life was cut short; the average lifespan for a female giraffe in captivity is 19 years, according to the zoo.

Uzuri — whose name means “beautiful” in Swahili — is being remembered by zookeepers for her outgoing personality. They say she ran up to greet them when they arrived every morning.

Source: https://abc30.com/6154770/