‘Beloved’ giraffe mom who taught herd to flick water at visitors dies at Tennessee zoo
Giraffe mom Angela Kate was known for never missing a snack and for teaching her herd to flick water at visitors to the Tennessee zoo.
“Angela Kate held a special place in the hearts of both staff and visitors alike,” zookeepers said in a March 14 news release.
The “beloved” giraffe died after suffering a fall in her exhibit overnight on March 5, the Memphis Zoo announced. Zookeepers said they had no choice but to euthanize the giraffe due to the extent of her injuries.
“The Memphis Zoo team mourns deeply for Angela Kate’s passing, cherishing the memory of her immense presence,” zookeepers said. “We also reflect on the profound impact she had on both our Zoo as well as the countless lives she touched during her time with us.”
She gave birth to her first calf Panya in 2017 and went on to have three more calves. One area zookeeper described her as a “phenomenal mother.”
Angela Kate made history herself when she was born in 2006. She was the first surviving giraffe born at Memphis Zoo in over 15 years.
She overcame a difficult start when her own mom didn’t exhibit the proper maternal care to raise Angela Kate, the zoo said. Zookeepers stepped in and bottle-reared her, alongside a surrogate giraffe mom named Marilyn.
That’s how she got one half of her name: Angela was the name of the daughters of two staff members who helped raise her. And Kate was the name of the Zoo’s millionth visitor the year the giraffe was born.
Those who had come to know Angela Kate at the zoo mourned her loss as well.
“Angela Kate, my sister and I grew up alongside you as 2000 and 2004 babies,” one Facebook user wrote. “You were a huge part of our lives and our family will miss you so much. Rest easy, sweet girl.”
She engaged with her fans by developing a strategy to dip her ear in a water drinker and flick the water at those who ventured close enough — and then she taught other herd members to do the same. Zookeepers affectionately refer to it as the “splash zone.”
“Oh I’m so sad,” another Facebook user wrote. “She was such a special girl and I remember when she was born. This is a heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to the caretakers and those who loved her.”
After Angela Kate’s fall, the zoo has moved the other giraffes off exhibit to regrade and resurface the area. They still don’t know why she fell.
“Her memory will forever live on in our hearts and within the legacy of Memphis Zoo,” zookeepers said.
This story was originally published March 15, 2024 at 10:59 AM with the headline "‘Beloved’ giraffe mom who taught herd to flick water at visitors dies at Tennessee zoo."