Cheyenne Mountain Zoo says goodbye to 20-year-old reticulated giraffe Msichana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced Thursday the passing of a lifetime resident of the zoo, 20-year-old female reticulated giraffe, Msichana.

The zoo said that after months of successful treatment for age-related issues, Msichana declined quickly over a period of two days, and her care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her on Wednesday.

Msichana was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoon in 2002 and had one male calf of her own in 2013, Kipawa. The zoo said Msichana was well-known among zoo members and online fans, with her signature tongue-out appearance and her role as a companion to newborn calves and new members of the herd.

“There were a lot of reasons to admire Msichana, but I think we’re most grateful for her contributions to our herd and to our knowledge of giraffe care,” said Savannah Woods, animal keeper in African Rift Valley. “She had a really special calm and nurturing demeanor. For calves and new giraffes, she made their first experience with us a safe one, and their relationships with her gave them the confidence to meet some of the more energetic giraffes in the herd. We could always count on Msichana to act as a ‘nanny,’ showing calves that other giraffes are friends, and helping new moms feel comfortable with their calves meeting other giraffes.”

The median life expectancy for giraffes in human care, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is nearly 16 years. Msichana would have turned 21 on Sept. 21, 2023, the zoo said.

For more information, visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.