The Maryland Zoo is mourning the unexpected loss of its beloved reticulated giraffe, Willow.
According to the Zoo, Willow began showing a sharp decrease in appetite this past Friday. Gastrointestinal issues are not uncommon in ruminants, and the Zoo began treating Willow and closely monitoring her health around the clock. She appeared to be stable before suddenly deteriorating yesterday. A complete post-mortem examination is being done to determine the cause of her sudden decline.
Willow was six-years-old and was born at the Maryland Zoo to female, Juma, and male Caesar. The both still live at the Giraffe House. Willow was incredibly popular and named during a public contest that drew more than 26,000 responses, according to the zoo.
The Zoo issued a statement about Willow’s unexpected passing:
This is a tremendous loss and we know our members, guests, and friends feel it too. Since her birth, Willow has inspired joy and compassion in thousands of people. She grew from an awkward calf with ossicones that looked like pigtails to a beautiful icon of the Zoo and her vulnerable species. Willow’s presence at the Giraffe Feeding Station, in particular, is something everyone will miss. We could go on about Willow’s goofy personality and many life milestones and know those topics will be in conversations today in our barns and your homes. We know you understand how special Willow was and the significance of her loss. Thank you in advance for joining us in mourning.