“If he remained down, life threatening circulatory issues would begin to set in,” the post read. “Repeated attempts to get him to stand failed; after each unsuccessful attempt, the Zoo’s veterinary team provided supportive care. Eventually, with Malcolm obviously exhausted by his struggles, the operation was abandoned for humane reasons.”
Malcolm the Giraffe Dies from Fatal Injury at Gladys Porter Zoo
Incident Date:
02/28/2025
Location:
Brownsville, TX - USA
Facility Name:
Gladys Porter Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Giraffe
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
BROWNSVILLE, TX – The South Texas zoo located in Brownsville announced the passing of its 17-foot-tall male giraffe, Malcolm, on Friday, February 28. Malcolm reportedly suffered an “incapacitating” injury on February 22, and despite “exhausting all efforts,” staff made the “difficult decision” to humanely euthanize him, according to a Facebook post by Gladys Porter Zoo.
Night keepers noticed Malcolm’s injury when they found him on the ground in the giraffe barn, where it seemed he was struggling to stand up. Shortly after veterinary and animal care teams were notified, maintenance technicians assisted the 2,500-pound giraffe to his feet using a hoist.
During necropsy, staff learned Malcolm had a ruptured ligament and torn muscle at the left hip joint “that resulted in his inability to successfully bear weight and regain a standing position,” according to Deborah Carboni, DVM, the Zoo’s director of animal health. It’s possible Malcolm was attempting to breed one of the females in his stall, lost his footing and fell, according to Gladys Porter Zoo.
Action take by Born Free USA:
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