‘Our hearts are heavy.’ Riverbanks Zoo announces death of 13-year-old giraffe

A giraffe who lived at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo & Garden for more than a decade has died.

“Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of giraffe Isabelle,” zoo officials said Sunday on Facebook. Isabelle, 13, was a lifelong resident at the zoo, after being born there on Labor Day 2010, according to the post.

Isabelle’s cause of death was not announced, but officials said she had faced health challenges in recent months. Further information about the health issues was not available.

Isabelle leaves behind a legacy, as her blood samples will provide life-saving plasma to other members of the zoo’s animal family, according to the post.

“Giraffe plasma contains essential antibodies and proteins that play a crucial role in fighting infections and maintaining health, which can help save the lives of other animals in need,” zoo officials said.

Giraffes are listed as endangered, and their populations have declined by nearly 40% in the past 30 years because of habitat loss, civil unrest, and poaching, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden officials said.

The lifespan of a giraffe is about 20 to 27 years in human care, according to the Denver Zoo.

There was no word if the zoo would seek to find another giraffe.

“While we navigate this difficult time, your support means the world to us,” zoo officials said. “Let’s honor Isabelle’s memory together as we remember the joy she brought to Riverbanks Zoo.”

Zoo officials thanked the Columbia Fire Department for their invaluable assistance, including their use of thermal imaging, which aided in assessing Isabelle’s condition.

This story was originally published March 10, 2024 at 3:02 PM.

Noah Feit

The State

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Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription