April The Giraffe, Whose 2017 Pregnancy Was Widely Followed, Dies

New York City NY

02 April, 2021

6:17 PM

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HARPURSVILLE, NY — April the Giraffe, whose 2017 pregnancy was livestreamed and watched around the world, has died. The 20-year-old giraffe was euthanized Friday morning because of "her worsening arthritis," Animal Adventure Park shared on its Facebook page. April has lived at the educational conservation park for the past five years. Euthanasia was recommended by her veterinary team. "We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the 21st century," the park wrote on Facebook. In 2017, April the Giraffe was "a viral sensation and household name" when her 16-month pregnancy was shared on a YouTube livestream, the park said. More than 1.2 million viewers watched the live cam when she gave birth to her fourth calf, Tajiri, April 15, 2017, making YouTube history. At the time, it was one of the top five most-watched moments ever on YouTube, and another 13 million people tuned in throughout the day to check on April and her son. It is with the heaviest of hearts that Animal Adventure Park announces the tremendous loss of our beloved April the...Posted by Animal Adventure Park on Friday, April 2, 2021 "April the Giraffe brought joy to the millions who have watched her via the park's Giraffe Cam, and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have made the trip to her home in Harpursville, New York," Jordan Patch, owner of Animal Adventure Park, said. "To her keepers and our team here at the park, she is a precious member of our family, and while we knew this day would eventually come, our hearts are hurting. April's impact on animal conservation and appreciation is both immeasurable and lasting. The loss of an animal as loved as her will be felt in our community, around the country and across the world." April birthed five calves during her time at Animal Adventure Park, ABC 13 reported. Her fifth and youngest calf, Azizi, died unexpectedly at East Texas Zoo in October. She was retired from the park's breeding program in 2019. Last summer, Animal Adventure Park staff reported changes to April's mobility and the veterinary team noted the onset of osteoarthritis. Radiographs showed a loss of joint space and bone collapse in her left hind leg, the park said. She was treated with pain medication, anti-inflammatories, hoof trimming and dietary changes. The park also installed padded flooring in her area. April's mobility continued to decline, though. In addition to frequently shifting her weight from limb-to-limb, she spent more time recumbent, said her veterinary team, which ultimately made the "humane decision" of euthanasia for her. Captive giraffes can live anywhere from 20 to 25 years, the park said. In the wild, the average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. April's body was brought to the Cornell University Veterinary School, where a necropsy will be completed. After this, she'll be cremated, and her ashes will be returned to Animal Adventure Park. Related Stories: April The Giraffe Gives Birth: LivestreamApril The Giraffe's Baby: 9 Things You Probably Didn't KnowLivestream: April The Giraffe Keeps World Waiting; No Baby YetConfirmed: April the Giraffe Is Definitely ExpectingApril The Giraffe Has Had Her Last BabyLive Cam Of April The Giraffe, Baby Calf Goes Dark: Watch An Adorable ReplayApril The Giraffe Baby Names: Zoo Reveals Top 10Remember April The Pregnant Giraffe: Here's Important News