Auckland Zoo farewells much-loved giraffe Rukiya

Auckland Zoo recently said goodbye to Rukiya, the beloved matriarch of their giraffe herd, after she was euthanized due to deteriorating health from old age. Rukiya had been a central figure at the zoo, admired by both visitors and staff. Her passing marks a significant moment for the zoo community, highlighting the challenges of caring for long-lived animals and the emotional impact on staff who have grown attached to the animals they care for. This event also underscores the importance of animal welfare and the difficult decisions zoos must make to ensure the well-being of their animals.