‘Beloved and iconic’: Skye the giraffe dies at the age of 26, Sacramento Zoo announces

Emma Hall
·2 min read
1

Skye, a reticulated giraffe who called the Sacramento Zoo home for more than a quarter-century, died Friday at the age of 26.

The giraffe had lived in the zoo since 1999 and was described as “one of our most beloved and iconic animals,” the Sacramento Zoo said in a release announcing her death.

Skye had been receiving care for age-related issues. As a result of her declining condition, veterinary staff humanely euthanized her, according to the zoo.

Born on July 14, 1998, Skye spent 25 years at the Sacramento Zoo after being born and nursed at the Milwaukee Zoo, along with another female giraffe, Gudrun. A news release from the zoo said Skye held a “special place in the hearts of zoo staff, volunteers and visitors alike.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SacramentoZoo (@sacramentozoo)

“One of the greatest privileges of my career has been to spend 16 years alongside Skye,” said Melissa McCartney, the zoo’s senior manager. “I got to experience firsthand her incredible intelligence and spunk during my time as her caretaker. Skye touched countless lives and has given so many people a greater appreciation for her species and the role we can play in saving giraffes from extinction.”

According to the zoo, giraffes in the wild usually live up to 25 years, a few years less than those in zoos and other captive habitats.

Skye had been suffering from “age-related lameness,” zoo officials said in a Facebook post last month. “Our dedicated team provides treatments like joint supplements and cold laser therapy to ensure she stays happy and healthy,” the zoo said in the social media photo. “Despite her challenges, Skye’s vibrant personality shines through — she never misses a meal and loves her browse.”

“Skye is incredibly intelligent and communicates her needs clearly to her care team. She enjoys the sun and warmer weather but also likes spending time in the comfort of the giraffe barn. The choice is always hers,” the zoo said.

1-year-old giraffe Skye, center, is seen with Gunrun, 10 months, greeting 4-year-old Val-lynn-tine at the Sacramento Zoo on July 19, 1999. The pair of young reticulated giraffes had just completed their 30-day quarantine after arriving from the Milwaukee Zoo. Skye, who had been at the zoo for 25 years, died Friday, Sacramento Zoo officials announced.

Skye is remembered as “unique, brave, funny, sassy and clever” by her caretakers.

“She was always one step ahead of me and I appreciate everything she has taught me and our whole team,” McCartney said.

Skye’s species is considered “vulnerable” to extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The population of reticulated giraffes has declined more than 50% over the last three decades due to habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Skye was considered an “ambassador for giraffes in Africa,” the zoo said.

“Thousands of guests fed her leaves from the giraffe encounter deck at the zoo. The proceeds from our giraffe encounters help finance our conservation efforts in Tanzania,” said Jason Jacobs, the zoo’s executive director. “So, in effect, every interaction Skye had with our guests helped save wild giraffes.”

Skye the reticulated giraffe is seen inside the barn at the Sacramento Zoo’s giraffe habitat in June 2024. Sacramento Zoo officials announced Saturday that Skye, who had been at the zoo for a quarter-century, died at the age of 26.
Skye the reticulated giraffe is seen inside the barn at the Sacramento Zoo’s giraffe habitat in June 2024. Sacramento Zoo officials announced Saturday that Skye, who had been at the zoo for a quarter-century, died at the age of 26.