Famous Upstate New York Giraffe Dies Suddenly

Here is some sad news to pass along, Animal Adventure Park & Preserve announces the passing of their giraffe, Johari, known as "Joh." The female reticulated giraffe has called the Harpursville park home for six years and passed away at the age of 20.

In Swahili, Johari means “jewel,” and that was the perfect name for "Joh", who was a real treasure to the Animal Adventure family. “Joh was loved by guests and Giraffe Cam viewers and adored by our animal care team," said Jordan Patch, the owner of Animal Adventure Park. "She was a fantastic ambassador for her species, and we find comfort in the knowledge that she enjoyed a long, healthy life. We ask for your understanding as we come to terms with this loss."

The facility's cameras caught Johari's passing on Saturday around 6 a.m., and was found by the keepers soon after. No signs of sickness, injury, trapping, or entanglement were found.

The Animal Adventure Park staff took the giraffe to Cornell University for a necropsy to find out what caused her passing.  Johari, like all the giraffes at Animal Adventure Park & Preserve, are given top-notch care by a skilled veterinary team.

Johari got checked by the zoo's vet team every month, and the 20-year-old giraffe was in good shape, according to veterinarian, Jonathan Bergmann. The full details will come after the necropsy, but, it looks like she might have had a sudden heart issue.

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Giraffes in human care live to be around 20 to 25 years old. Johari, the jewel of Animal Adventure Park, will always hold a special place in our hearts.