Brevard Zoo’s Oldest Giraffe ‘Doc’ Euthanized After Diagnosis of Serious Underlying Health Problems
By Space Coast Daily // March 24, 2025
'Doc' was the oldest male giraffe at 22-Years-old
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard Zoo announced that its oldest male giraffe, Doc, has passed away, despite extensive efforts to manage his ongoing mobility and health issues.
This gentle giant was a familiar presence at the giraffe platform for decades, being one of the original five giraffes on habitat when Expedition Africa opened in 2003. In recent years, he stood out as the only reticulated-Rothschild giraffe among the tower of Masai giraffes.
According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the median lifespan for male giraffes is 16.5 years. At 22 years old, Doc had significantly surpassed that expectancy. Although aging is not a disease, Doc had been closely monitored in recent years due to persistent mobility challenges.
With the aid of modern veterinary medicine and regular welfare assessments, the animal care team developed a tailored treatment plan to support Doc.
Pain medications and consistent hoof trims helped manage his condition and maintain his comfort. However, he recently began showing signs that these treatments were no longer effective, as additional symptoms emerged. The team explored innovative methods to better understand his mobility issues, including thermography and the use of custom-made polyurethane shoes to provide support.
Alongside these mobility concerns, Doc also began exhibiting signs of more serious underlying health problems, such as muscle loss, avoiding lying down in his stall, occasional behavioral changes, and nosebleeds.
Given these developments, the compassionate decision was made to euthanize him in order to prevent further suffering.
A necropsy is expected to provide more information on the full extent of his health issues.
While saying goodbye has been incredibly difficult, the Zoo staff finds comfort in knowing that Doc enjoyed a long life filled with love and high-quality care, far beyond the average lifespan for his species.
Born on May 26, 2002, at Zoo Knoxville, Doc quickly became a favorite among the Zoo’s animal care team, volunteers, and guests.
Senior Africa keeper Cindy Watson recalled some of her fondest memories of Doc, particularly his close relationship with the female giraffe Kumi. The two often spent time together, and Cindy fondly remembered Doc manipulating a piece of hanging browse so that he could chew on one end while keeping the other end just out of Kumi’s reach.
“I love how those two would hang out and how Doc was always there for Kumi,” Cindy said. “Kumi seemed to really enjoy Doc’s company and seemed more confident when Doc was around her.”
Doc is remembered by his keepers for many reasons, especially his gentle disposition and willingness to participate in voluntary training sessions. He was a fast learner and helped initiate the hooftrim program alongside the late bull giraffe Rafiki.
Africa keeper Morgan Thums shared that Doc was one of the first animals she ever trained and the first she performed a hoof trim on at the Zoo.
“You could always count on him to be at the platform eating lettuce from guests, and when he wasn’t there, he was usually spending time with his ‘girlfriend’ Kumi,” Morgan said. “Doc is one of the sweetest giraffes I have ever cared for, and I am going to miss him greatly.”
