A giraffe was euthanized at the Dallas Zoo on Sunday after suffering a disabling, inoperable injury to its jaw in a fall.
15-year-old Ferrell fell in his stable on Friday. After surgery, veterinarians and the care team discovered that the animal had dislocated its jaw in a way that surgery could not repair, the zoo announced on its Facebook page.
“Jaw dislocations are difficult to treat even in smaller animals, but a giraffe's size and anatomy did not allow for adequate repair,” the post said.
The team said the injury would have severely limited the giraffe's use of its jaw and tongue, as surgery in the future would likely have required amputation of part or all of the tongue.
“Given the prognosis and impact on Ferrell's quality of life, the team had to make the incredibly difficult decision to humanely euthanize Ferrell on Sunday, December 31,” it also said.
The zoo added that the animal suffered a jaw injury 13 years ago due to a tongue problem. Ferrell could use it, but couldn't keep it in his mouth. After his second injury, feeding would have been nearly impossible, the zoo added.
“We are completely heartbroken by this sudden loss. We ask you to think of our employees during this difficult time. “Ferell will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” the release concluded.
The post received more than 280 supportive comments and nearly 210 shares on Facebook.