13/10/2024
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delicate hoof trim procedure for senior Giraffe, Pilgrim
Out of Africa Wildlife Park will be CLOSED on Tuesday Oct 15th, 2024 for a delicate hoof trim procedure on our 23-year-old male adult Giraffe, Pilgrim.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park will be CLOSED Tuesday October 15, 2024 while our team of veterinarians, and farriers put Pilgrim under general anesthetic procedure.
Our keepers, vets, and farrier teams have worked with Pilgrim regularly for the last several years to perform standing procedures within a medical tamer to conduct hoof trims; however as of recent, Pilgrim has decided that he no longer wants to participate. He has been showing signs of discomfort for some time, and his keepers believe that the arthritis in his legs are now making it difficult for him to stand during these procedures. He is on a regular pain management regimen, but even with this, due to his age, the overgrowth in his hooves is becoming an increased issue in regards to his artritis.
Maintaining hoof health in giraffe is incredibly important due to their size. If the hoof is slightly overgrown in any way, risks of permanent damage are increased because of their weight. Lameness in giraffe is one of the leading causes of death both in captivity and in the wild. Even though Pilgrim has over 20 acres of space consisting of natural terrain, the normal aging process has created an increase in his hoof growth.
Due to their unique anatomy and physiology, giraffes are especially vulnerable to complications when placed under general anesthesia. Their large size and long neck pose unique challenges for our vet team when managing blood pressure and circulation.
Pilgrim weighs roughly 3,000 pounds which, when combined with his long legs, makes safely restraining him and getting him back into a standing position challenging. All these risks are increased for Pilgrim due to his old age (he is beyond the median life expectancy of male giraffes).
The decision to anesthetize Pilgrim has not been made lightly. Animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Between our keepers, vets, and professional farrier teams, the systems we use for monitoring have clearly shown that this procedure is what's best for Pilgrim's well-being. During the procedure, we will also be taking advantage of the ability to do a full-body check-up, including a dental exam, x-rays, and blood work.
We will be bringing in an expert team of specialists for this day including our local vet staff: Dr. Skinner, and Dr. Chambers, and their staff from Prescott Animal Hospital, Dr. Dadone with Giraffe Veterinarian Services, the entire farrier team from the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program, an expert ropes team through Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Scottsdale Fire Department, and D & O Crane Company will be onsite in the event Pilgrim needs assistance with standing up.
We are hoping for a positive outcome and will let you know how the procedure goes as soon as we can. We would appreciate your prayers in this important stage in Pilgrim's Care. We can't thank you enough for your support, understanding and love.
All of us at Out of Africa Wildlife Park want to thank each of you for the love and support you have given us. Without your visits, we would not be able to share these incredible animals with you.
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