Sad news for all when struggling giraffe is put to sleep

The Johannesburg Zoo was sad to announce the death of their beloved giraffe Caxton on 30 December last year.

Caxton was born at the Saxonwold-based zoo on 29 October and was rejected by her mother after being born with a deformity in her limbs. She was also unable to suckle from her mother and had to be bottle-fed by zoo staff.

Caxton Local Newspapers and the Rosebank Killarney Gazette were honoured to announce in Meet Caxton the giraffe [Week ending 11 December], that the giraffe calf would be named after Caxton for our balanced coverage of events at the local zoo.

Spokesperson for the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Jenny Moodley said Caxton was struggling to walk.

“The equine vet found that arthritis had affected a number of joints and was quite extensive,” added Moodley.

“The caregivers at the zoo hand-reared her separately, however, after much consideration for her well-being, it was resolved to put her down with the support of her caregivers by her side.”

Moodley said the team of the Delta Section responsible for the management of Giraffidae (family name for giraffes) were reeling from the loss of their baby.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Caxton Newspapers for taking up the call to support her recovery since her birth,” said Moodley.

Editor of the Gazette, Ashtyn Mackenzie said, “The news of this young calf’s passing broke our hearts. We know how hard the team at the zoo worked to monitor her well-being. Our whole newsroom was so excited when we first learnt that Caxton [Local Newspapers] was going to have a giraffe as a mascot. It was a privilege to share our name with her, even for just a short while. It just echoes the reminder to cherish each day we have on this beautiful earth.”