Pilgrim’s Big Day: Park Closure on October 15th for an Important Health Procedure

On Tuesday, October 15th, the park will be closed as our beloved 23-year-old giraffe, Pilgrim, undergoes a general anesthesia procedure. This is a significant step for Pilgrim’s health, and we want to share why it’s so important and what we’re doing to give him the best care possible.

Pilgrim, who is well beyond the median life expectancy for male giraffes, has been experiencing arthritis that affects his ability to stand during hoof trims. Hoof health is crucial for giraffes, as even a slight overgrowth can lead to serious complications due to their size and weight. With Pilgrim’s age, the discomfort from arthritis has increased, and routine trims have become challenging. Therefore, our dedicated team of keepers, veterinarians, and farriers decided it was time for a different approach.

General anesthesia in giraffes is complex because of their unique physiology—their long necks, large bodies, and their need to maintain proper blood pressure during the procedure pose unique challenges. For Pilgrim, we are taking every precaution possible. We’ve assembled an incredible team, including our regular vet staff from Prescott Animal Hospital, Dr. Dadone with Giraffe Veterinarian Services, the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program, and an expert ropes team from Arizona Equine Rescue and Scottsdale Fire Department.

This is not just about trimming Pilgrim’s hooves—we will also be conducting a full-body health check, including a dental exam, x-rays, and blood work, to make sure Pilgrim is in the best possible health moving forward.

We hope for a positive outcome and will keep you updated once the procedure is complete. We truly appreciate your patience, support, and love for Pilgrim as we navigate this important day for his well-being. Please keep him in your thoughts!