Las Vegas' beloved giraffe, Ozzie, dies after fall at wildlife sanctuary
Ozzie the giraffe (Credit: The Lion Habitat Ranch)
HENDERSON, Nev. - A Nevada wildfire sanctuary is mourning the loss of Las Vegas' only giraffe, who died after falling.
The Lion Habitat Ranch said the giraffe, named Ozzie, was startled by something last week which caused him to stubble and fall.
He died from his injuries sustained in the fall.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ozzie, one of our cherished animal family members," the sanctuary posted on its Instagram page.
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The sanctuary said Ozzie was "no ordinary giraffe."
"He possessed a gentle spirit that touched everyone he encountered," the post continued. "Whether interacting with keepers or delighting our guests, he left an impression that transcended mere moments. Ozzie was an artist, too—a creator of one-of-a-kind masterpieces. And as the tallest supervisor on our ranch, he watched over us all, his regal presence a comforting beacon."
In honor of Ozzie, the ranch was closed on August 2.
The ranch said Ozzie was a 10-year-old male giraffe born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita, Kansas.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.