Roger Williams Park Zoo Mourns Loss Of 9-Year-Old Giraffe

PROVIDENCE, RI — One of the Roger Williams Park Zoo's longtime animal resident has died, zoo staff announced Friday. Tufani was a "beloved" nine-year-old Masai giraffe.

Tufani died after showing signs of gastrointestinal complications, the zoo said in a statement. The animal care team, along with several veterinary experts, treated her as much as they could, and did what they could to keep her comfortable. She died Thursday.

The giraffe was born at the Franklin Park Zoo Nov. 27, 2012, and came to Rhode Island in August 2014.

"She had a mischievous, curious nature about her," one of her zookeepers said. "She loved to beg for treats and was really just an absolute sweetheart."

Tufani was a well-loved member of the zoo, enjoyed by both zoo staffer and visitors.

"The Zoo family will hold a very special place in its heart for Tufani and she will be deeply missed," the zoo said in a statement. "We encourage people to share photos and fond memories of Tufani on the Zoo’s Facebook page — Facebook.com/RWPZoo — or the Zoo’s Instagram page — Instagram.com/rwpzoo — so that her keepers may see your remembrances and kind words."