April, a giraffe that became an Internet sensation after her live-streamed pregnancy and delivery in 2017, was euthanized Friday after a bout with advanced osteoarthritis, the Animal Adventure Park announced. She was 20.
In a statement, park owner Jordan Patch said in a Phys.Org report: "She is a precious member of our family, and while we knew this day would eventually come, our hearts are hurting,"
The zoo further said in a statement published on the NBC News website: "We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the 21st century."
The zoo has been the giraffe's home for about six years.
April the Giraffe's Worsening Condition Due to Arthritis
Since last summer, April's mobility problems were evident, with veterinarians discovering arthritis in her feet and problems in her left hind leg. Veterinarians stressed that the health condition of large animals like giraffes could worsen swiftly from arthritis.
To treat April's arthritis, the veterinarians used pain medicines, joint supplements, padded flooring, anti-inflammatories as they altered her diet and trimmed her hoofs. But April's mobility went on the stark decline, spending most of the time lying down. Veterinary imaging revealed "significant and progressing degeneration" of April's joints in her lower leg.
Her condition had been deteriorating faster than maintaining the giraffe's comfort, the veterinarians said.
232 Million Watched As April the Giraffe Gave Birth in 2017
April drew a captivated online audience as she held her fourth calf in 2017 at the Harpursville zoo. Her live stream became the second most-watched in YouTube history at the time, having 232 million views and 7.6 billion minutes of watch time.
Around 1.2 million people watched as April gave birth to Tajiri, a male calf, quite appropriately in April.
A fund-raising campaign collected over $150,000 for the care of April, her mate, and calf, Other initiatives, such as a Toys R Us sponsored YouTube stream, monetized a clothing line and text messages to donate money to the zoo. Owners said the amount would be used for zoo maintenance, wildlife conservation in Africa, and medical expenses for sick children.
However, the People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA) slammed the zoo for turning April's breeding and the birth of her calf into an Internet event. PETA said the tragedy lies in April not having to live a life without people watching her every move, including her breeding, on a live stream. Azizi, April's other calf, which had 300,000 people watching him live on YouTube, died last October at a Texas zoo.
Following Azizi's birth, April was put on contraceptives to retire her from the breeding program.
April's body has since been transferred to the Cornell University Veterinary School for necropsy, the zoo further said. After April's cremation, her ashes will be brought back to the Animal Adventure Park, a CNN report added.
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