Here’s a Little Story by Wllington Live
Zuri, Wellington Zoo’s gentle giraffe, had a big day this week. She went under anaesthetic for a health check in the Giraffe House. Thirty staff worked 36 hours to ensure she was okay. Now, Zuri’s recovering well, and we’re stoked to share what happened.
Zuri’s a sensitive giraffe, often skittish. Her hooves were overgrown, one packed with stones, causing pain. Trimming them while she was awake wasn’t possible. So, the team used anaesthetic. Farrier Ben Bateman and his apprentice Claudia cleared the stones and reshaped her hoof. Her feet are now in great nick. Without this, Zuri risked arthritis or broken bones. Crisis averted.
The check-up went beyond hooves. An equine dentist removed a broken incisor and confirmed her other teeth were fine. Vets did a full exam and ran blood tests. Everything checked out, giving the team a sigh of relief. It was a thorough job, top to bottom.
Anaesthetising a one-tonne giraffe is tough. Blood pressure and breathing need extra care due to her long neck. The zoo’s vets and keepers planned meticulously. They had help from experts: Ben and Claudia, Dr. Ray Lenaghan and Matt from Vets on Riverbank, Dr. Richard Sim and Trudy Willetts from Hamilton Zoo, plus Dr. Vicki Walsh and Lydia Lane from Massey University. Their teamwork made it smooth.
Zuri’s health comes first. For 36 hours, staff monitored her closely. She’s now acting like her old self, but the team’s still watching to ensure she’s fully back. Soon, she’ll be stretching for leaves in the Giraffe House, delighting visitors.
This job shows the zoo’s dedication. Staying calm with a giraffe under anaesthetic takes skill. The team’s passion for animals, big or small, is clear. It’s why Wellington Zoo’s a community treasure. Big thanks to everyone who helped Zuri’s hooves—and heart—stay strong.