Perth Zoo makes ‘heartbreaking goodbye’ to giraffe Armani

Armani, Perth Zoo’s male giraffe, has been given a “dignified and peaceful end” at the age of 20.

Perth Zoo has had to make the “heartbreaking” decision to give their male giraffe a “dignified and peaceful end” as he succumbed to old age.

Armani was 20 years old when the zoo announced on social media on Tuesday that “age had caught up with” their “gentle old giant,” and the decision had been made to have him put down.

“Friends, today we had to say a heartbreaking goodbye to our male giraffe, Armani,” a post on Perth Zoo’s Facebook page read.

Armani arrived at Perth Zoo in 2005. Picture: Nathan Sixsmith Photography

“It’s been incredibly tough for the zoo family and we know many of you will be as sad as we are to hear this news.

“All the zoo animals receive gold standard health care, and thanks to the ongoing monitoring of Armani’s health and welfare, we knew age had caught up with him and it was time to give him a dignified and peaceful end.”

Life expectancy of giraffes is about 25 years.

Armani first arrived at Perth Zoo in 2005 and was almost 5m tall by the end of his life.

In May, the zoo profiled his dental care procedure, which involved the use of X-rays.

“As an older giraffe, it’s really important we conduct these regular checks to make sure Armani is as happy and healthy as possible in his twilight years,” veterinarian Taylor Hawkins said.

Armani’s dental X-rays. Picture: Perth Zoo

He's fathered seven giraffe calves at Perth Zoo. Picture: Nathan Sixsmith Photography

“From these images, we can see signs of dental disease, which is common for a giraffe his age, so we have a plan in place to try and slow its progression with medication.

“His animal carers have done an excellent job with his training, so we are able to get regular images of his teeth to continue monitoring him closely.”

Armani was also a known lover of carrots and could be fed by members of the public during prearranged animal encounters.

Perth couples have also been lucky enough to get wedding photos with Armani, allowing him to share in their special day.

Lucky Perth couples have been able to share their special day with Armani over the years. Picture: Nathan Sixsmith Photography

But Armani was also quite the ladies man – an “absolute stud” according to Perth Zoo.

“Thanks to his ‘giraffe swagger’, he played a monumental role in the regional breeding program and fathered seven calves here at Perth Zoo,” the Facebook post continued.

“Now, his descendants live all over Australia and New Zealand!

“It’s been tough to say goodbye, but it was time. We’ll miss you Armani.”

Female giraffe Mischa, the mother of Mukulu, both of whom were made famous for photograph The Kiss in 1995, died at Perth Zoo in 2016, aged 25.

Mukulu died at Melbourne Zoo, aged 23, in 2018.

Tricia, the 65-year-old Asian elephant, was one of the oldest in the world when she died in July last year. Her death signalled the end of elephants being cared for in Perth.

Her two counterparts will be sent to other zoos where they can be part of larger packs.

Perth Zoo, located in South Perth, houses about 1500 animal, and is open every day of the year.