Cheyenne Mountain Zoo says ‘goodbye’ to 32-year-old giraffe, Tamu

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is sad to say goodbye to one of the oldest giraffes in the country living at their zoo.

Tamu, the 32-year-old female giraffe passed away Thursday, almost two weeks before her 33-year-old birthday. Since coming to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in April 2003, she touched many lives and made strong connections with guests and staff members.

Many would refer to her as ‘Moose’ or ‘Grandma.’ She was one of the easiest giraffe’s to recognize because of her dark, bushy eyebrows.

“She was the nicest giraffe on the planet,” said Jason Bredhal, an animal care manager for the zoo. “She would sit under the lettuce hut and eat lettuce all day long and made millions of people’s days. If you have a giraffe selfie on your phone, there’s a good chance it’s with Tamu. She was a guest favorite, for sure.”

Senior giraffe keeper, Amy Schilz, said she was known for taking care of calves because she was so gentle.

“I remember when we put up new shade structures in the yard and the calves hadn’t learned to use them as shelters when it rained. Tamu would go out into the rain to stand over the calves to protect them,
said Schliz.

Throughout her live, Tamu gave birth to six calves, leaving a legacy of 29 grandcalves, nine grear-grandcalves, and one great-great-grandcalf behind.

“She will be missed so much,” Schliz said. “She was really, really smart. Just yesterday, she was participating in training for hoof care. She had a great heart.”