Brazils Oldest Giraffe Dies In Zoo Aged 32

One of the world’s oldest giraffes has died in a Brazilian zoo aged 32.

Pandinha, 32, died at Curitiba Municipal Zoo in the city of Curitiba in the Brazilian state of Parana on 10th January.

The giraffe, the oldest in Brazil and one of the oldest in the world, would have turned 33 in May this year.

Pandinha, the giraffe who would have turned 33 in May 2022, died in Curitiba Zoo in Brazil. (Newsflash)

She was the daughter of giraffes Pacheco and Mandinha, whose names were amalgamated to form her own.

The zoo’s Fauna Research and Conservation Department said Pandinha was the oldest giraffe in Brazil and the fourth oldest in the world. In the wild, giraffes live between 15 and 25 years, but they can live for longer in captivity.

The department said the animal had severe inflammation in multiple joints, known as polyarthritis.

Pandinha, the giraffe who would have turned 33 in May 2022, died in Curitiba Zoo in Brazil. (Newsflash)

Pandinha was born at Curitiba Zoo in 1989, and visitors were unable to see the elderly giraffe during her last few days due to her condition and age, which were affecting her quality of life.

Department director Edson Evaristo said Pandinha’s condition progressed to crepitus (joint popping) and she was in a lot of pain, suffering with movement difficulties and marked weight loss.

The zoo said she underwent treatment to alleviate the situation.

Pandinha, the giraffe who would have turned 33 in May 2022, died in Curitiba Zoo in Brazil. (Newsflash)

According to the Curitiba Council, international studies of the species show that giraffes even older than Pandinha are currently living in zoos in Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Fort Wayne and Tucson in the United States.

Evaristo added: “It is very difficult to say goodbye to an animal that we had the honour of taking care of for so long. Being able to be so close to a gentle giraffe like Pandinha was a special and precious experience, she will be greatly missed.”