Postmortem reveals intestinal torsion and blood circulation failure caused the death of a popular giraffe
Bengaluru: Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru has lost one of its most popular attractions after a female giraffe named Shivani died following a serious health complication. The 3-year-and-10-month-old giraffe reportedly passed away on Thursday after suffering from illness for several days, officials confirmed.
According to authorities at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Shivani had stopped eating properly since May 3 and was under continuous observation and treatment by a team of veterinarians. Despite multiple medical interventions and close monitoring, the giraffe died around 11 am on Thursday, creating shock among zoo staff, wildlife officials, and visitors.
The postmortem examination reportedly confirmed that Shivani died due to “Caecal Torsion,” a severe intestinal condition involving twisting of the intestine and disruption of blood circulation.
Postmortem Confirms Serious Intestinal Complication
Veterinary officials stated that Shivani’s condition worsened because of a blockage in the intestines combined with restricted blood flow, which eventually proved fatal.
Following the postmortem, biological samples from Shivani’s body were sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals in Hebbal for further laboratory examination and confirmation of medical findings.
Officials said the giraffe had shown signs of illness for the past few days and had significantly reduced food intake before collapsing.
Shivani Was a Major Attraction at Bannerghatta
Shivani had become one of the main attractions at Bannerghatta Biological Park after being brought from the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru in 2024.
Born in 2022 to giraffes Bharat and Babli at Mysuru Zoo, Shivani was later shifted to Bannerghatta after months of planning and coordination. Authorities had transported the giraffe in a specially designed cage mounted on a multi-axle lorry equipped with a dedicated safety and monitoring system.
Zoo officials had reportedly moved Shivani to Bannerghatta as part of a breeding and conservation initiative involving the park’s resident giraffe, Gauri.
Zoo Staff and Visitors Shocked by Sudden Death
The death of the young giraffe has deeply affected staff members and wildlife caretakers at the biological park, especially considering Shivani’s popularity among tourists and school visitors.
Bannerghatta Biological Park remains one of Karnataka’s major wildlife and eco-tourism destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The loss of Shivani has sparked emotional reactions from animal lovers and regular visitors who had closely followed the giraffe since her arrival in Bengaluru.
Wildlife experts say gastrointestinal complications in large herbivores like giraffes can become critical if not detected early, as their digestive systems are highly sensitive and complex.
Authorities are expected to continue medical analysis and review veterinary records to better understand the circumstances surrounding Shivani’s death.
