Cheyenne Mountain Zoo building memorial for Penny

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo suffered a tragic loss last year when its 200th giraffe calf had to be euthanized due to infection, but Penny’s memory will live on through a life-sized statue that will be built at the zoo.

The zoo made the announcement Wednesday in a Facebook Live video and presented a miniature model of the statue. It will be a replica of Penny the giraffe, and you’ll be able to touch it and take pictures with it when it’s completed later this year.

Penny was born in June but had to be euthanized in July after an infection spread from her legs to her abdomen. An emotional video was posted by Penny’s care team to explain the decision.

Penny was closely monitored for weeks after she first splayed when she was nine days old. Veterinarians found the abscess and were able to drain some of the fluid and started to recover, but the infection took over.

The zoo wants your feedback and ideas for the memorial, so head to the post below and leave a comment: