Amazing Oldest Living Giraffe Dies In Texas At 31

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• Typical lifespan is 25 years
• Born in Los Angeles
• Died at Ellen Trout Zoo

The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas sadly announced the death of their female Masai giraffe, Twiga. She passed away on July 7, 2023.

Twiga was 31 years, 9 months, and 7 days old. That would make her the oldest living giraffe in human care. Born at the Los Angels Zoo on October 1, 1991 and died at the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin.

Twiga has been a part of the Ellen Trout Zoo since June 4th, 2008. She spent the last 16 years of her life getting exceptional care from the employees there led by Zoo director, Gordon Henley.

"Twiga helped our other two giraffes, Kellen and Luna, feel comfortable in their new home in Lufkin," Henley said. "She will be greatly missed."

Twiga The Masai Giraffe Beats All Odds To Be World's Oldest Giraffe 

Masai giraffes in the wild only live to be between 10 and 15 years old. In human care, they can usually live between 20 and 27 years.

To make it to over 31 years old is unheard of. She was a favorite of all the patrons of the Ellen Trout Zoo.

Just like with any person or animal that passes away, even if we know it is time we are sad. It's amazing that Twiga had such a long life.

She had a lot of help along the way from all of the dedicated zoo keepers that took care of her.