Twiga, a 31-year-old giraffe residing at the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas, passed away on Saturday, July 8th. She was just shy of her 32nd birthday, having been born on October 1st at the Los Angeles Zoo. Before calling Lufkin home since 2008, Twiga also spent time at the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.

Zoo director Gordon Henley noted Twiga's significant role within the giraffe herd, describing her as a companion and guide to newer arrivals. Her presence provided stability and comfort to other giraffes throughout her time at the zoo.

A Masai giraffe, Twiga lived well beyond the typical 25-26 year lifespan for her species. While exhibiting some age-related signs like an occasional limp, she received dedicated care from the zoo's staff and veterinarian. Henley acknowledged Twiga's advanced age and the inevitability of her passing, but expressed the sadness felt by the zoo community.

Twiga's longevity puts her among the oldest giraffes in human care. Other notable examples include Ursula, who died at 32 at the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2017, and Mutangi, who passed at 31 at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia in 2021.