A young giraffe, named Joe Burrow by the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, died Wednesday after falling ill.
Officials from the Baton Rouge Zoo released a statement Thursday saying that Burreaux, a 20-month-old giraffe, died of sudden symptoms Tuesday. These included a severe cough and general agitation.
The statement stated that "The Zoo's veterinarian staff took immediate steps to help, including quickly administering medication to stabilize." To maximize his chances of recovery, he was also evaluated by staff. The Zoo team reached out to many zoological veterinarians across the country, none of whom had ever seen a giraffe suffering similar symptoms.
Our Zoo family is saddened to announce the passing of Burreaux, a 20-month-old male reticulated Giraffe. This sudden loss has deeply affected us and we are still grieving. Rest in peace big guy. More info: https://t.co/u4W6hnbePQ. pic.twitter.com/oNMgsDcCUR Baton Rouge Zoo (@BatonRougeZoo) September 8, 2021
Burrow had spelled the name Burreaux that way on his jersey for Tigers' Senior Night 2019.
According to the zoo, an LSU veterinarian team performed a necropsy in order to determine the cause of death. Official results will be available in approximately 30 days.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
