Jane Healy, Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is today paying tribute to elderly giraffe Rukiya who was yesterday compassionately euthanised due to her deteriorating age-related health.
The much-loved matriarch of the giraffe herd, who was close to 25 years old (the upper end of her species’ lifespan) relocated from Wellington Zoo to Auckland Zoo 24 years ago, just a couple of weeks shy of her first birthday.
An outstanding contributor to the Australasian Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) regional breeding and advocacy programme for giraffe – a species that remains under considerable threat in the wild - Rukiya was an excellent mother to five offspring - four of which have gone on to reproduce at their respective zoo homes.
“Rukiya was an exceptional animal in so many ways. As her carers, she taught us so much (including patience!) and my teammates and I feel extremely privileged to have been a part of her life,” says the Zoo’s Ungulates team leader, Michael Hepher.
“From her role as a nurturing, attentive mother to that of matriarch and a playful, supportive grandmother, Rukiya remained a very calm, gentle but strong presence for the herd. Her contribution to the regional programme has been significant, and we all feel rather proud that her first offspring, a male named Forrest - born here in 2007 (and relocated to Australia Zoo in 2008) made it into the Guiness Book of Records in 2020 as the world’s tallest giraffe.
“We know that Rukiya was loved not only by Zoo staff and volunteers, but by our wider Zoo community, many of whom have grown up and been able to connect with her over so many years and experience just how incredible her species is. She leaves a great legacy,” says Michael.
As a geriatric animal Rukiya’s health has been closely monitored over recent years by both the Zoo’s specialist Ungulate keepers and veterinary team. The decision to euthanise her due to recent marked deterioration in her mobility and wellbeing, followed extensive veterinary assessment.
“While we have been able to keep Rukiya comfortable with medication and provide some short-term relief, ultimately, it’s not possible to reverse age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. As animal healthcare professionals we have a responsibility to make compassionate and timely evidenced-based welfare decisions that are in the best interests of the animals in our care. The high level of expert daily care and monitoring of Rukiya’s condition and regular cross-team consultation has ensured a peaceful and dignified end,” says Auckland Zoo’s veterinary services manager, Dr James Chatterton.
With the passing of Rukiya, the giraffe tower (herd) living at Auckland Zoo now comprises male Billy (7), and females Kiraka (16), Kabili (9) and Enzi (2).
As part of the Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and advocacy, since 2012 we have been supporting the groundbreaking work of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation - the world’s only conservation NGO dedicated to research and conservation of giraffes across Africa. Visit the Giraffe Conservation Foundation website to learn more about the mahi of this organisation.
