TUCSON, Ariz. — Reid Park Zoo's Elinor the giraffe died from an extremely rare form of Cancer.
Elinor, who was 20-year-old passed away on Labor Day.
Reid Park Zoo said that Elinor underwent an animal autopsy at the University of Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The autopsy showed Elinor had developed an aggressive, malignant cancer known as lymphoma.
"Her symptoms and progression of disease were rapid. Although a common form of cancer in people and many animals, lymphoma is extremely rare in giraffe and not much is known about successful treatment,” said Dr. Alexis Roth, Chief Veterinarian.
Elinor exceeded her species' median life expectancy of 19 years. She lived with two other giraffes at Reid Park Zoo. The Zoo said both giraffes had the opportunity to see Elinor after she passed and in the days following her death, the two spent more time with each other, preferring not to be apart.
“We have been so grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and fond memories in the wake of Elinor’s death. It’s apparent how much she has meant to our community, and what an impactful ambassador for her species Elinor was,” said Nancy Kluge, President/CEO of the Zoo.
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