Abilene Zoo Mourns the Loss of Young Giraffe

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Abilene Zoo is grieving the sudden loss of Makena, a young giraffe who died unexpectedly from natural causes on Monday, April 8. 

Makena, one year and ten months old, passed away in the early morning hours, leaving the zoo community and visitors saddened. 

"We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our giraffes, Makena," the zoo shared in a statement. "We are grateful for our community, which shared the joy that Makena brought during her life."

Born in June of 2022, Makena was the offspring of a 12-year-old mother, Jamie, and an 8-year-old father, Congo. She also had a half-sibling born just two months after her arrival.

The cause of Makena's untimely death is currently unknown, with zoo officials awaiting the results of a necropsy to determine more details.