HONOLULU — Adult giraffes are considered one of the most challenging animals to anesthetize because of their enormous size and unique body shape. This is why zoo staff flew in giraffe specialists to help immobilize 23-year-old Squirt, the 19-foot tall, 2,000-pound resident male Reticulated giraffe, to perform treatment for chronic hoof and limb issues, according to a Honolulu Zoo news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Squirt, the 23-year-old, 19-foot tall, 2,000-pound resident male Reticulated giraffe, underwent a procedure on May 2 to treat chronic hoof and limb issues

  • Over 45 individuals from the zoo and medical community worked with the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams

  • More than one billion giraffe stem cells were flown in and administered by Dr. Valerie Johnson

The May 2 procedure required the expertise of giraffe veterinary specialist Dr. Liza Dadone and farrier Steve Foxworth of the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program. The two professionals assisted with the planning and execution of the procedure, from immobilizing Squirt to anesthetizing him and addressing his issues.

According to the zoo, hoof overgrowth and arthritis are common in older giraffes kept in captivity. Treatment can include hoof trimming, supportive shoes, nutritional supplements, substrate modification and pain relief medication.

Over 45 individuals from the zoo and medical community worked with the staff veterinary and animal care teams, providing care and conducting multiple treatments while Squirt was under anesthesia. The goal was to minimize, as much as possible, the greatest risks to Squirt and provide the best opportunity for recovery.

“When you decide to anesthetize a giraffe, you want to make the most of the limited time available and provide as much beneficial care as possible in that window,” said Honolulu Zoo veterinarian Dr. Jill Yoshicedo in the release.

Individuals from the zoo and medical community worked with the staff veterinary and animal care teams to conduct a successful procedure.

Multiple treatments included hoof trimming of all four feet, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, placement of a custom urethane shoe, ultrasound examination of the limb soft tissue support structures, blood sampling, radiographs and a bath to treat chronic skin lesions.

In addition, more than one billion giraffe stem cells were flown in and administered by Dr. Valerie Johnson, a veterinary specialist in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine from Michigan State University.

Squirt’s head and neck were supported and kept elevated by a nine-foot-long neck board, and staff constantly massaged his body to stimulate blood flow and prevent muscle cramps.

“We are extremely grateful for Honolulu Zoo Society’s financial support in bringing in the multiple specialists, as well as the community support in providing their time, expertise, and muscle to pulling off this rare procedure,” said Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos.

Upon completion of the procedure, Squirt stood up on his own and began eating.

“After this immobilization, we have noticed him immediately placing more weight on his newly shod foot and taking longer, more comfortable strides,” Yoshicedo said.

“We did find evidence of serious ongoing hoof disease that will need to be continually monitored and treated. Because these are incurable issues, we need to be ready for him to take a turn for the worse at any time. For now we are taking it day by day and appreciating the current improvement in his quality of life,” added Yoshicedo.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.