2-year-old giraffe from Milwaukee County Zoo died at Denver Zoo

DENVER — Kazi, a 2-year-old giraffe who lived at the Denver Zoo, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, according to KDVR. Kazi came to Denver from the Milwaukee Zoo in September to be a companion for Dobby.

Zoo officials said Wednesday, Oct. 23 Kazi died after he was castrated. Officials said castration is a common procedure that decreases a male giraffe’s competitive, aggressive nature and allows males to peacefully live together.

The zoo said Dobby — another male giraffe at the zoo — had been castrated, and castrating Kazi would allow the two to coexist.

According to zoo officials, the procedure was successful. However, Kazi started breathing abnormally as he was recovering from anesthesia and then stopped breathing entirely.

“The veterinary medical staff on-hand took immediate action and did everything in their power to resuscitate Kazi, including reintubating him and performing CPR, but to no avail,” the zoo said in a statement to KDVR.

Zoo officials said Kazi bonded with both staff and other giraffes.

“He was best described as a laid back, social animal who loved to engage with guests. Although his time at the Zoo was far too short, Kazi touched the many guests, staff members and volunteers who were lucky enough to be in his 10-foot-tall presence,” the statement said.