Maryland Zoo mourning after Willow the giraffe unexpectedly dies
By Josh Starkey
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BALTIMORE (WBAL) — The Maryland Zoo is mourning after the unexpected loss of a giraffe, Willow.
The zoo said Willow began showing a sharp decrease in appetite on Friday. They said gastrointestinal issues are not uncommon in giraffes, so they began treating her and monitoring her health. But after seeming stable, her health suddenly deteriorated Monday.
Willow, 6, was born at the Maryland Zoo in 2017. The zoo held a naming contest that year that returned over 26,000 responses. They released a statement about her 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.”
Willow’s subspecies, reticulated giraffe, are one of four that are suffering population decline.
The zoo is conducting an investigation to determine her cause of death.
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