Giraffe born in Colorado Springs dies after accident at North Carolina Zoo

ASHEBORO, N.C. – A giraffe that was born in Colorado has died following an accident at the North Carolina Zoo.

The zoo said in a news release that Jamili, a 9-year-old female reticulated giraffe, was found unresponsive Tuesday morning after she became entangled in a “mental and physical engagement item.” The zoo said the item had been used for years without any problems.

Jamili was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs in May 2008 and was transferred to the North Carolina Zoo in March 2009. She gave birth to a calf, Juma, in July 2012. Juma is now at the Maryland Zoo.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is known for its giraffe herd and staff have been helping the Denver Zoo care for its newest giraffe calf, Dobby, who needed a plasma transfusion after he was born last week.