From Daily Mail: A three-month-old baby giraffe has died after a tragic accident inside her enclosure at the Detroit Zoo, officials confirmed.
The female calf, named Okidi, suffered catastrophic injuries earlier this week when she ran into a transparent viewing panel in her indoor habitat before the zoo opened to the public.
Animal care and veterinary teams rushed to her aid and monitored her around the clock, but diagnostic testing revealed a severe vertebral injury.
The zoo explained what happened in a post on Facebook, saying the team made a “heartbreaking decision to euthanize” the animal.
The post read:
“We are heartbroken to share the loss of Okidi, a giraffe calf born on Nov. 23, 2025.
“Earlier this week, prior to the Zoo opening, Okidi sustained significant injuries after running into a habitat viewing panel in her indoor habitat at the Zoo. Our animal care and veterinary teams responded immediately and monitored her around the clock.
“Diagnostic testing revealed a serious vertebral injury. Given the severity of the injury and poor prognosis, our animal care and veterinary team made the humane but heartbreaking decision to euthanize Okidi.”
Okidi was born on November 23, 2025 to mother Zara (7) father Jabari (17). The zoo said it gave the heard time to view Okidi, whose name means ‘orchid’ in Swahili.
“The herd, including her mother, Zara, was given the opportunity to observe Okidi following the procedure, an important step in supporting herd dynamics. Our team continues to monitor and provide additional support to Zara, Jabari, Mpenzi and Kivuli,” it said.
The zoo concluded by mourning with the community.
“Okidi brought joy to so many, and she was deeply loved by those who cared for her each day,” the zoo wrote. “We are grateful to our staff for their compassion and expertise, and to our community for holding space with us as we mourn this loss.”
Read more at Daily Mail
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