A baby giraffe has died at Zoo Miami. On Monday, March 18, 2024, the zoo announced that a giraffe that was born on December 15, 2023 died over the weekend. The giraffe, whose name was Saba, was found dead early in the morning on Saturday, March 16. Saba was just 3 months old. She was transported to the Zoo Animal Health Facility for a necropsy, which revealed that she died from a broken neck.
Because the giraffe's injury happened overnight, staff members did not personally see what happened to the giraffe, according to a Zoo Miami news release.
Officials say that Saba likely was "startled," causing her to run into a fence and injure herself.
Zoo officials said that other giraffes in the herd appeared to be fine and "returned to their normal routines without incident."
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However, staff members at Zoo Miami will continue to observe the giraffes to make sure they're not stressed. At the same time, they will look out for any signs that might be able to help determine what happened to Saba.
"This has been a devastating loss, and all procedures are being carefully evaluated to help ensure the prevention of any similar incidents in the future," the news release from Zoo Miami read.
Zoo Miami is Florida's largest zoo. It's home to more than 2,500 animals and nearly 400 different species.
The zoo has existed since 1948, though it was previously called Crandon Park Zoo. Sixty giraffes have been born at the zoo.
In the news release, Zoo Miami officials noted that the zoo has an "exceptional record of caring for giraffes."
The zoo also noted that it has supported giraffe conservation by providing money to different organizations via the Zoo Miami Conservation Fund. The specific organizations were not named in the news release.
The zoo also published a news release when Saba was born. She was the 60th giraffe born at the zoo. The news release noted that at the time of her birth, she was "a bit on the smaller side for newborn giraffe." However, she was also "strong and healthy" and was welcomed by the herd of giraffes at the zoo.
Zoo officials also said Saba was "unfazed by all the attention" and shortly after she was born, she spent time "exploring her new habitat."
