Toronto Zoo officials confirm cause of death for giraffe born in Greenville

TORONTO, ON. (FOX Carolina) - The Toronto Zoo reports it has received the postmortem report on Kiko, the first born calf of Masai giraffe Autumn at Greenville Zoo, who died in an accident on New Year’s Day.

Zoo officials said the evaluation given in the report is consistent with cardiac failure associated with acute muscle exertion.

Kiko, 13-years-old had been given access to an additional area of his behind-the-scenes habitat at the Toronto Zoo, when he became caught in an opening door, zoo officials said.

Exertional myopathy, which can result during periods of intense increased activity, occurred as Kiko tried to free himself from the door. This resulted in a release and build-up of muscle enzymes that cause tissue damage, according to the report.

The report also confirms there were not any microscopic abnormalities that would suggest an underlying condition contributing to sudden death.

Zoo officials report the incident occurred due to an unforeseen vulnerability when the door is opening. The zoo is now launching a thorough review of human factors and processes by an independent third-party and an internal review of all animal habitats retrofits to ensure safety for staff and animals, with a focus on areas with hydraulic doors.

His mate, Mstari is still in her late stage pregnancy. Male giraffes have little to no role in the raising of calves and parental care almost entirely is the responsibility of the mother, officials said.

The Toronto Zoo said the following to the community:

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