There has been another loss for the Seneca Park Zoo. The zoo says its Masai giraffe Kipenzi has died after a battle with cancer.

According to zoo officials, animal health staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Kipenzi. She has been living with squamous cell carcinoma for more than a year.

The giraffe's diagnosis was first announced in August last year. A biopsy and x-rays showed the tumor to be invasive through the jawbone and inoperable. The tumor was first noticed by staff in late spring 2023.

"From the time of diagnosis, Kipenzi was treated with an antitumor topical treatment. X-rays were regularly taken and she received medications to maintain her comfort and ensure she was not in any pain," said zoo veterinarian Chris McKinney. "We knew from diagnosis that her time with us was limited. It is a testament to the training Kipenzi received from Animal Care and Animal Health staff that she allowed us to provide her with this care, even at times allowing us to see her teeth."

“Over the last few days, Kipenzi stopped eating, and her weight dropped by more than 75 pounds in a very short time,” said McKinney. “From the way she was holding her jaw, it was clear she was in great discomfort, and the time had come to humanely euthanize her.”

Kipenzi’s body was transported to Cornell University for necropsy.

Zoo officials say Kipenzi was born at the Toledo Zoo in April 2017 and moved to Seneca Park Zoo in August 2018 in preparation for the opening of the Zoo’s Animals of the Savanna expansion.

Staff members say the other giraffes, Iggy, Olmsted, J.D. and Pippy, will be out in the habitat and back at giraffe feedings in no time.