On April 10, 2015, about 4 million people went online and turned on their screens to Animal Planet to witness the livestream of Katie's birth to a calf.
Emails and tweets from 85 countries expressed their excitement over the birth of this 5-foot-10 baby and around 50,000 votes were garnered until finally the name Kipenzi was chosen. However, months after the joyous event, tragedy struck and the Swahili name which means "loved one" will forever be etched in people's hearts.
Dallas Zoo shared on Twitter and Facebook the tragic news that the lively and energetic three-month-old Kipenzi passed away on Tuesday.
We are devastated to share the tragic loss of our beloved giraffe calf, Kipenzi. More details: https://t.co/p0tmdcC2Kp pic.twitter.com/pPavK6xi6V
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) July 29, 2015
Reports state that the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. as zookeepers were shifting the giraffe herd into its night barn.
Kipenzi had been known to dash around the yard ever since her public debut on May 1. The young calf made a sharp turn as she was running along the yard and ran into the perimeter edge of the habitat, causing her to break three of her vertebrae in the neck. Kipenzi died immediately and her mother Katie was allowed to see her daughter before veterinarians removed her body from the premises.
"She stood guard for a few moments before we called her in. The zoo will monitor Katie for the next few weeks to ensure she stays healthy," said Harrison Edell, Dallas Zoo Senior Director of Living Collections.
Even though there are currently 12 remaining giraffes residing at the zoo, Gregg Hudson, Dallas Zoo president and CEO, said that the death of Kipenzi is a huge loss for the zoo's giraffe herd and that the staff at the zoo is heartbroken over the loss.
Kipenzi's live birth video helped put a spotlight on the plight of wild giraffes in Africa, and her popularity managed to raise more than $35,000 for giraffe conservation.
Dallas Zoo is encouraging Kipenzi fans who are interested in giving in the beloved calf's memory to visit The Giraffe Conservation Foundation to make a donation and learn more about protecting giraffes in Africa.
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