© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Community

Another Loss at Niabi Zoo

Niabi Zoo

It's been over a month since Niabi Zoo's new-born giraffe died. And today, the zoo in Coal Valley announced the baby giraffe's mother has also died.  

The 12 year-old giraffe, named Mimi, died at about 1 am today. Mimi had been under the care of veterinary staff, since the zoo noticed she was having troubles eating. The staff found she was not chewing cud properly, which can be a sign that an animal's digestive system is not functioning correctly.
 Zoo Director, Marc Heinzman, says the giraffe has been sent to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, for an animal autopsy. 
 Mimi's male son, named Genesis, had to be euthanized last month, after suffering a leg injury. 
Niabi Zoo still has two giraffes in its herd, one male and one female.