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Update on Abu the giraffe

The Animal Care and Veterinary Teams at Zoo Atlanta will soon undertake a significant veterinary procedure for the well-being of one of the Zoo’s elder mammals: Abu, a 14-year-old male giraffe.

Abu, who is within the geriatric frame of the typical giraffe lifespan, experiences arthritis in his front left foot. While the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams have been treating his arthritis with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for some time, Abu requires hoof trimming to appropriately ameliorate his condition. General anesthesia is required for the procedure – an approach which carries a high risk for complications, especially for giraffes.

For the procedure, Zoo Atlanta is engaging the partnership of an external professional team specializing in the hoof care of giraffes. The goal is that the hoof trim will slow the progression of Abu’s arthritis. Updates will be provided as soon as Abu’s condition is known.

CONTACT:         

Rachel Davis, Director of Communications
404.624.2812 – office 
404.309.2238 – cell 
rdavis@zooatlanta.org

ABOUT:                
About Zoo Atlanta

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A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include giant pandas, including Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the only giant panda twins in the U.S.; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include the all-new African Savanna, featuring new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs and meerkats, and Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art special event destination in the newly restored historic former home of the Atlanta Cyclorama. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.

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