Toronto Zoo reveals cause of death for giraffe that died following New Year’s Day incident

The Toronto Zoo says its 13-year-old Masai giraffe named Kiko died from cardiac failure caused by overexcretion from attempting to free himself from a caught do

Kiko, a beloved Masai giraffe at The Toronto Zoo that passed away on New Year’s Day, died of cardiac failure associated with acute muscle exertion, an autopsy has found.

On Friday, the zoo shared the results of the final postmortem report on Kiko, thanking the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph for its “thorough work.”

The Toronto Zoo, in a news release, went on to say that this fatal response occurred when the 13-year-old male giraffe’s head became trapped in a small gap between the slide/shift door and a vertical post as the door was opening. It resulted in Kiko’s “almost immediate death,” the zoo said.

• READ MORE: 13-year-old Toronto Zoo giraffe dies following accident in habitat

“This process, referred to as “exertional myopathy,” can occur with periods of intense increased activity — as was the case with Kiko trying to free himself — resulting in a release and subsequent build-up of muscle enzymes that cause tissue damage,” The Toronto Zoo wrote.

“This condition is well documented in ungulates (including giraffes) although all vertebrates including birds are susceptible.”

The zoo went on to say that a CT scan done did not show fractures or other abnormalities in Kiko’s neck. There were also no microscopic abnormalities found to suggest that there was an underlying condition that could have contributed to the giraffe’s sudden death.

The Toronto Zoo said staff received training and procedures were put in place, which resulted in them bringing giraffes safely through that doorway “thousands of times without incident.”

This enhanced due diligence, the zoo said, “makes this outcome even more difficult for all who cared for Kiko to accept.”

“Kiko’s loss requires us to face uncomfortable facts: this tragedy stemmed from an unforeseen vulnerability when the door is opening,” said The Toronto Zoo.

“While these results cannot ease our heartbreak, they do provide some clarity during this difficult time.”

The zoo said a number of steps have since been taken based on these findings. They include:

• Reviewing staff training documents to determine if any updates are required

• Launching a thorough review by an independent third-party to review human factors and processes

• A special inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to review animal care processes has been booked

• Conducting an internal review of all animal habitat retrofits (existing and future) to ensure safety for staff and animals, with an immediate focus on those areas with hydraulic doors

“We are committed to learning everything we can from this heartbreaking loss and making changes as required based on any findings to aid in preventing this from happening in the future at our Zoo or any zoo that is privileged to care for these majestic animals,” the zoo said.

As the investigation into Kiko’s death continues, the zoo said it would continue to support Mstari, another giraffe there who is in the late stages of pregnancy with Kiko’s calf, “to ensure she remains safe and healthy.”

It noted that male giraffes have “little to no direct role in raising their calves,” as those tasks are almost entirely the responsibility of the mother and, at times, other females in a group setting.

“After mating, males largely resume their typical routines of feeding, roaming, and competing for access to receptive females rather than providing protection, guidance, or caring to their offspring. Calves instead depend entirely on their mothers for nursing, security, and social learning,” The Toronto Zoo said.

“We want to thank our community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your kind messages have meant the world to us. Kiko’s passing reminds us of the profound responsibility we hold in caring for every animal and we honour his life by learning all we can to improve the well-being and future of those that follow him.”