It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pilgrim, one of our most beloved animal residents, who has been part of the Out of Africa Wildlife Park family since 2003.

Born in 2001, Pilgrim lived to the extraordinary age of 24—making him one of the oldest male giraffes in the United States, far surpassing the average life expectancy of 15 years for males in human care. Over the past two decades, he became a cornerstone of our park and a quiet, comforting presence for guests and caregivers alike.

Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful nature, Pilgrim was more than just a familiar face—he was a gentle ambassador for his species. His cooperation in voluntary medical training made it possible for his care team to support him through his senior years with dignity and compassion. From 2019 to 2024, Pilgrim regularly participated in twice-yearly standing sedations to address age-related hoof overgrowth and foot issues. His trust in his team enabled us to care for him with minimal stress and maximum safety.

In 2024, as his willingness to enter the restraint chute declined, our team made the careful decision to perform anesthesia to continue treating a painful hoof abscess. Over the months that followed, signs of age-related decline—including weight loss and slowing mobility—became more apparent, despite active management for arthritis and other geriatric conditions.

On June 29th, we gathered a collaborative team of professionals—including veterinarians, farriers, and local fire department support, large equine rescue, and a crane operator on standby—to perform a comprehensive medical evaluation under anesthesia. During that exam, Pilgrim was found to have advanced dental wear and tooth loss, likely contributing to his weight loss. A targeted diet plan was initiated, and his hoof abscess was successfully treated. He stood after anesthesia on his first attempt and recovered smoothly—but passed away unexpectedly about 36 hours later.

Though his passing came as a heartbreak to all who knew him, Pilgrim leaves behind a powerful legacy. His long life and involvement in progressive medical practices—including standing sedations, advanced hoof care, and voluntary training—have contributed to the evolving field of geriatric giraffe management. His case will continue to inform and improve care practices for aging giraffe across the country.

Pilgrim inspired hundreds of thousands of guests to care more deeply about giraffe and the wild places they come from. He brought teams together and helped build a collaborative network of experts who continue to work on behalf of giraffe near and far.

He will be missed, deeply and widely—but his impact will live on.

Thank you, Pilgrim.

—The Out of Africa Wildlife Park & Sanctuary Team