Florida Safari Park Confirms Death Of 2 Giraffes From Lightning

LOXAHATCHEE, FL — Lion Country Safari, which was recently named one of USA Today’s “10Best” Reader’s Choice safari parks in the United States, announced Tuesday that two of its giraffes were killed by a lightning strike six weeks ago.

"Lily and Jioni were in the pasture in their habitat when a severe thunderstorm quickly developed six weeks ago," park officials shared on the attraction's Facebook page. "Recent pathology results confirm that the giraffe did pass as a result of the lightning and that the manner of their passing was instantaneous."

In May, Lion Country Safari ranked among the top 10 safari parks in the United States by USA Today’s “10Best” Reader’s Choice contest. Ranked by popular vote, Lion Country Safari was the only park in Florida to be named among the top 10 safari parks.

Park officials said they were "deeply saddened" by the deaths of the animals. "The giraffe do have access to numerous shelters in the multi-acre habitat, if they choose to use them," park officials said. "The keepers and our whole team were understandably devastated by this sudden and tragic loss."

A spokesperson for the park did not immediately respond to a request from Patch for more information on Tuesday afternoon.

"Out of respect for their mourning and the pending pathology results, we waited to share this information," park officials explained on Facebook. "We continue to mourn our two incredibly lovely and charismatic giraffe; They will both be sorely missed."

Lightning is one of the most deadly weather hazards in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which notes that lightning occurs with every thunderstorm. Florida experiences an average of 70 to 100 days a year with at least one thunderstorm.

News of the deaths drew more than 600 comments on the safari park's Facebook page.

"Sending love and prayers to all the giraffe keepers. From a UK giraffe fan," said one post.

"Sending lots of hugs and prayers to the keepers as we know they work incredibly hard and selflessly to care and protect these beautiful creatures," penned Lacey Cunningham-Jennings. "My grandmother worked there years ago, and so, I know these are not just animals to the entire staff but an extension of your own families."

Lion Country Safari, which opened in 1967, was the first drive-through safari in the United States, according to park officials.

In being named number nine on the USA Today list, the publication noted: "This safari park invites visitors to observe and interact with more than 1,000 animals divided between seven sections. Guests might spot ostrich, wildebeest and impala on the Serengeti Plains, observe a pride of lions in Gorongosa Reserve or see giraffe and endangered rhino in Hwange National Park."

The facility is home to one of the largest herds of giraffe in the United States, the largest herd of zebra in the western hemisphere as well as a large herd of rhinos, according to park officials.