11/14 ~ Shocked & saddened by the loss of Amryn the Giraffe

Date: November 14, 2011                     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Greater Vancouver Zoo shocked & saddened by the loss of Amryn the Giraffe    

Aldergrove – Staff and volunteers at the Greater Vancouver Zoo are shocked and saddened by the loss of “Amryn” our youngest male Rothschild Giraffe. Amryn was found this morning on the ground inside his barn and was treated aggressively, although died shortly thereafter.

Greater Vancouver Zoo’s Veterinarian Dr. Bruce Burton performed a full examination and then a pathologist who has a primary interest and many years of experience in exotic animals was called in. A full post mortem was done by the pathologist, at this time the cause of the death is unknown.

 “Results from the post mortem of Amryn will be announced as soon as they are completed,” commented Veterinarian Dr. Bruce Burton with the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

Amryn was born on December 20, 2007 at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, his Mom (Eleah) and Father (Jafari) both still live at the Zoo.

Giraffes are the tallest land mammal and have wiry short hair that resembles a net. Giraffes are listed as “least concern” conservation status by the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) Red List, however a recent preliminary population estimate suggests a decline in the total population which could mean that the species will warrant listing in a higher category of threat.  The primary risk to the species is habitat loss, which is constantly being threatened by human activity (such as agriculture) and human settlement.  They are also hunted for their fine fur on the tail which is used to make jewellry and strong hide to make sandals.

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Media Contact:                                                 

Jody Henderson                                                                       

Marketing & Communications Manager                                      

Phone:  604.856.6825 x 33                                                        

Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com                                    

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The Greater Vancouver Zoo is an accredited zoo within the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which is a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.