April the Giraffe has died, animal park says

Updated: 3:40 PM EDT Apr 2, 2021

April the Giraffe, whose journey in motherhood was shared with the world, has died.She had worsening arthritis and died at 20 by euthanasia, Animal Adventure Park said Friday."We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the 21st century," the animal park said.April became a viral hit in 2017 with a livestream of her pregnancy and delivery of Tajiri.She delivered five calves before a breeding program with her ended."At the celebrated age of 20 years old, April was in her golden years, with the captive management life expectancy averaging 20-25 years, far greater than the average lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild," the animal park said.Her ashes will be returned to Animal Adventure Park."While we knew this day would eventually come, our hearts are hurting," said Jordan Patch, owner of Animal Adventure Park. "The loss of an animal as loved as her will be felt in our community, around the country and across the world."

HARPURSVILLE, N.Y. — April, the giraffe who was an internet sensation as the world watched her give birth in 2017, has died.

Officials at Animal Adventure Park announced April was euthanized Friday morning "due to her worsening arthritis."

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that Animal Adventure Park announces the tremendous loss of our beloved April the Giraffe," the park said in a Facebook post. "We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the 21st century."

The park said April was 20.

Officials noted that the average life expectancy for a giraffe in captivity is between 20-25 years.

"April’s most recent veterinary exam identified the acceleration of April’s condition, prompting the determination that euthanasia was the humane and appropriate course of action," the park said.

April will be cremated, and her ashes will then be returned to the park.