Giraffe dies at Sioux Falls zoo following foot injury

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium announce death of 18-year-old Chioke

An 18-year-old giraffe named Chioke at the Sioux Falls zoo has passed away.

The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium announced Thursday that a reticulated giraffe named Chioke has died after the animal recently suffered a leg injury.

“Following a severe fracture in his front left foot, Animal Care and Veterinary leaders made the difficult, but responsible, decision to humanely euthanize him,” according to a statement issued by the Great Plains Zoo office.