OAKLAND — In the same way that some humans’ art outlives its creators, one Oakland Zoo resident’s creative efforts will now go forward beyond its fallen creator.
In a statement Thursday, officials praised Benghazi the giraffe, who was euthanized Wednesday after his quality of life declined over the past year.
“With his confident personality, he was often first in line to meet new people,” the zoo’s lead giraffe keeper Jessica Chapman said.
“He was also our resident artist, and his paintings were often auctioned to support giraffe conservation in the wild.”
Chapman said staff had treated the giraffe for sacrum and lower-back injuries, most likely suffered when he got up or laid down to sleep.
“We did all we could, chiropractic treatments, medication, laser treatments, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Unfortunately, this type of injury is not reversible, and Benghazi’s mobility declined,” Chapman said.
“His quality of life was suffering, walking his habitat became more and more a challenge for him and lying down was especially taxing. … Benghazi brought love and happiness to so many, and he will be deeply missed.”
Benghazi was born March 26, 1996, to T’Keyah, a longtime zoo resident who passed away in 2017. He is survived by a brother, Balthazar; a sister, Twiga; and several nieces and nephews.
Previous social-media posts by the zoo and other visitors show Benghazi in happier times.
Meet Benghazi, the artist giraffe. Win his painting at World Giraffe Day 6/21!https://t.co/Jinq7hAO9R pic.twitter.com/1VlmbwadF6
— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) June 10, 2016
Zookeeper Jessica Real and guests hang out with Benghazi the Giraffe. #NationalZookeeperWeek pic.twitter.com/oLvpiSfwYH
— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) July 20, 2016
What kind of cake does Benghazi Giraffe get for his 22nd birthday? Banana, of course! pic.twitter.com/quuCIKk0Ms
— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) March 26, 2018
Just like humans, sometimes we don’t always want company. Watch Mabusu the giraffe check in with Benghazi, who clearly isn’t interested in his company today. Maybe tomorrow, Mabusu! pic.twitter.com/D1AUFE22Gg
— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) April 10, 2018
Irises by Benghazi (the giraffe) pic.twitter.com/oCAaZFXyly
— Tako_chan (@bamboo41) August 18, 2018
Happy 23rd bday Benghazi Giraffe!
Benghazi has called Oakland Zoo his home for his entire life. Quite the artist, Ben’s paintings have been auctioned to help raise $ for wild animals all over the world. His absolute favorite food is anything edible.
3 cheers for Ben! pic.twitter.com/BEfLNgnC1R
— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) March 26, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved Benghazi Giraffe.
Benghazi brought love and happiness to so many, and he will be deeply missed. Please see our FB and Instagram pages for more about Benghazi. pic.twitter.com/KVoGpbvZWB— Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) May 9, 2019
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
