Beloved giraffe Jenga passes at Greater Vancouver Zoo

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Jenga the giraffe is off to the big Savannah in the sky.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is grappling with some tall emotions after the sudden passing of Jenga, its eight-year-old giraffe who, let’s face it, had more charm than most of us could ever hope for. Jenga was found peacefully resting in his barn after having lunch in the yard.

Jenga was no ordinary giraffe. Described as bold, curious, and always up for a good stare-down, he was the giraffe that made a visit to the zoo memorable. With the necropsy pending, the rest of the giraffe gang is reportedly doing just fine.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenga, our beloved eight-year-old giraffe,” reads a statement shared by the zoo.

Jenga’s death also spotlights the fact that giraffes are in trouble, silently slipping toward extinction due to poaching and habitat loss. While Jenga lived a good life in captivity, the challenges his wild cousins face are no joke. His legacy now? Raising awareness and giving people a reason to care about these graceful giants and their conservation.