America’s oldest Masai giraffe dies in Kansas City Zoo at 29

Mahali, the oldest Masai giraffe in America. // Courtesy KC Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo announced today that Mahali, the oldest Masai giraffe in America, died on October 19 at the age of 29. She was euthanized due to chronic conditions.

Mahali was born at the Los Angeles Zoo in July 1994 and arrived to the Kansas City Zoo in April 1995. She was a mother to three calves, and grandmother to many across the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) including Chandy, at the Kansas City Zoo. Mahali was also the tallest giraffe in her herd, standing 15 feet tall.

Four Masai giraffes remain at the Kansas City Zoo after Mahali’s death. One male, Aiden (age 4) and three females, Makali (age 11), Alika (age 2), and Chandy (age 4). Their species faces a risk of high extinction in its native range.

Mahali will be missed by her zoo family, staff, volunteers, and guests.