Zoo Mourns Female Giraffe Sox after Long Bout with Chronic Condition

Masai Giraffe Was a Favorite of Staff and Guests

January 19, 2025

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium community is grieving the passing of one of its biggest and most beloved residents, Sox, the 17-year-old female Masai giraffe, who was humanely euthanized on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Sox had been undergoing treatment for chronic degeneration of the bones in her leg since last summer and quickly worsened last week. She was not responding to pain management efforts. The Zoo’s highly qualified veterinary team worked in conjunction with a group of outside experts, including a veterinarian and technician who specialize in giraffe immobilizations, as well as an experienced farrier who works with hooved animals across the United States. Upon review of x-rays, the care team jointly determined there were no remaining options that could improve the giraffe’s quality of life.

Along with sociable male giraffe Lewis, Sox was one of the Zoo’s most popular residents, and she was adored by staff and guests alike.  “Lewis may be the crowd pleaser, but Sox was one of the keepers’ favorites,” said Lead Keeper Lisa Caruso. “She was smart and curious and loved to train and learn new things, lie in the sun, and eat bananas. Sox especially loved her friend Spencer the zebra, with whom she shared her exhibit.” (article continues below ⇓)

Sox was born at Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo on October 25, 2007, in the middle of the home team’s sweep of the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. She was named Sox after both the victorious baseball club and her white ankles. She came to the Pittsburgh Zoo in March 2013.

The Masai giraffe is the largest species of giraffe and can be found in Central and Southern Kenya, as well as in Tanzania. The animals are known for their distinct and irregular star-like blotches that extend to their hooves. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global authority on the conservation status of wild animals and plants, lists Masai giraffes as endangered, primarily due to poaching and habitat fragmentation.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium staff are greatly saddened by the loss of Sox and appreciate the continued support of the community during this difficult time. Guests are invited to share their memories of Sox on the Zoo’s social media platforms.