DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- The Dallas Zoo is investigating the deaths of two giraffes in October to determine if they were related. A 19-year-old giraffe named Auggie died in after a brief illness. About a week later, a 14-year-old giraffe named Jesse died on October 29th. Both animals had similar symptoms.
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Test results on the animals showed they had liver damage. The zoo is investigating to to find out if they were exposed to a virus, bacteria or toxic substance. That includes testing the animals' food, nearby plants and other items.
The zoo had already taken steps to limit the movements of the other giraffes and access to their habitat. They have called in some outside experts for help with the investigation. They're also taking blood samples from the remaining giraffes to look for any early signs of liver damage.
The death of a third giraffe at the Dallas Zoo is not believed to be connected. A three-month-old giraffe was euthanized after suffering bone fractures. Zoo officials described the injuries as "catastrophic" and said they would have resulted in long-term deformities and life-long pain for the animal.
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