Zoo Boise reported Thursday that its beloved giraffe, Julius Longfellow, has died.
The 11-year-old male Julius fell early Thursday morning. Zoo workers tried to get him back up but couldn’t, and had to euthanize him. A necropsy is planned.
Julius came to Zoo Boise in 2008 from the African Safari Wildlife Park in Ohio. A private fundraising campaign paid for his purchase and transport to Boise. His first name, Julius, was in honor of a donor to Zoo Boise. His last name, Longfellow, came thanks to Longfellow Elementary School, which raised money for him.
Zoo Director Steve Burns said Julius was a favorite.
“This is a devastating day for the Zoo Boise family and the entire Boise community,” said Burns. “Julius Longfellow was beloved by visitors of all ages. He was a part of our family and we will miss him.”
The zoo’s other giraffe, Jabari, is a 7-year-old male. Zoo Boise wants to find another giraffe to put with Jabari.
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