11/19 - Greater Vancouver Zoo say goodbye to Eleah

Greater Vancouver Zoo – PRESS RELEASE

Date: November 19, 2011                     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                GOODBYE TO ELEAH, OUR BELOVED MOTHER GIRAFFE

Aldergrove – Zoo staff and volunteers are saddened by the loss of the mother giraffe, Eleah, who was found by  Animal Care staff in the morning in their heated barn. While Eleah demonstrated overall good health, she was 23 years old, which is considered senior for a giraffe.

Upon finding Eleah, Dr. Bruce Burton, the Zoo’s veterinarian, was called in to perform a preliminary post-mortem examination. Although the cause of her death is unknown at this time, the necropsy may disclose more information. The complete necropsy will be performed by a specialist experienced in exotic animals. Results of the post-mortem will be announced when they are completed.

Eleah was born in 1988 at the Missouri Zoo and arrived at the Greater Vancouver Zoo when she was over a year old. She is survived by her longtime partner, Jafari, and her daughter, Bonnie, who currently resides at Parc Safari in Quebec.

Eleah’s passing is especially difficult for the staff, volunteers, and admiring public as it follows on the heels of her son’s passing last week.

Media Contact:                                                 

Jody Henderson                                                                       

Marketing & Communications Manager                                      

Phone:  604.856.6825 x 33                                                        

Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com                                    

To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo

 visit us at:  www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!

Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!

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.