Parker, a giraffe at the Seneca Zoo in New York, dies in a freak accident

The Seneca Zoo, in Rochester, announced that it is experiencing “a tragedy” because Parker, her male giraffe died this Sundayinside the “Animals of Savana” building.

Through a statement, a spokesperson for the zoo indicated that “the possibility of this type of event happening was unforeseen and unprecedented.” He is referring to the fact that Parker he broke his neck getting stuck in the support structure of one of the doors.

The Masai giraffe, a species native to East Africa, was found unconscious, trapped in the structureand veterinary staff were immediately called.

Parker, who came to the Seneca Zoo from the Santa Barbara Zoo in 2018, had just become a father last year: “He was mated with the females Kipenzi and Iggy, and is the father of Olmsted, born in April 2022”, says the park, who described it as a very cheerful and curious animal.

“This is a tragedy for the zoo community. from Seneca Park,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said. “From the staff who cared for and loved Parker, to the zoo visitors and members who had their visits brightened by Parker’s presence, we are all grieving this tremendous loss.”

“Parker will be sorely missed by all of us. He had been in excellent health prior to this and it was a joy to both staff and visitors,” said Chris McKinney, Seneca Park Zoo veterinarian.

“The gate structure, installed in 2018, is for a standard giraffe characteristic of this type of enclosure,” the statement explains, and “is used in a number of accredited zoos across the country.”

Likewise, it reports that there have been no reports of such incidents in other zoos with similar gate structures. “The manufacturer has been notified of the potential hazard in installing similar gates in giraffe enclosures.”

The zoo also ensures that it is taking steps to modify the structure of the gate of the enclosure p to avoid any possibility of recidivism.

Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, expressed his condolences to the Seneca Zoo on this accident. “Our hearts go out to the Seneca Park community and all of the dedicated professionals at Seneca Park Zoo with the news of the death of their Parker giraffe,” he said. “They also have our confidence in their exceptional animal care.”