Zoo Knoxville is mourning the loss of Lucille, a 24-year-old giraffe who passed away after spending her entire life at the park since her birth in February 2001. The zoo confirmed her death on Facebook, noting that Lucille was one of their longest-tenured animals and had a significant presence for over two decades, as reported by WATE.
Lucille was the tallest giraffe at the zoo and was known for her calm demeanor and love for collard greens and beet pulp, according to WBIR. She was also recognized for her patience during training sessions, making her a favorite among staff and visitors, especially during the Williams Family Giraffe Encounter, which began in 2013, where guests could feed her directly.
As a geriatric giraffe, Lucille required special care to ensure her comfort in her final years. The zoo emphasized that they took this responsibility seriously and found solace in knowing she lived a long, fulfilling life surrounded by those who cared for her. Lucille leaves behind two other giraffes at the zoo: Frances, a nine-year-old female, and her son, Jumbe Junior (JJ), who is now four years old. Her passing follows the death of another giraffe, Jumbe, who was euthanized in 2022 after entering hospice care, as mentioned by WATE.
The zoo stated, "Lucille's legacy will live on through the countless people she inspired," as reported by WVLT.
