The Hattiesburg Zoo’s beloved giraffe, Sue Ellen, is experiencing age-related health problems due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease common in senior animals and humans alike. While there is no cure, the Zoo's staff is focused on managing her symptoms through a variety of treatments.
"Sue Ellen is currently on multiple pain management medications and joint supplements, and we have incorporated hydrotherapy (a gentle, low-impact therapy that promotes mobility and relieves stiffness) into her care routine,” said Dr. Julia MacGregor, the Zoo’s veterinarian. Other treatment options aren't a good fit for her temperament, so our approach is focused on maximizing her comfort through individualized care and ongoing assessment."
Sue Ellen came to the Hattiesburg Zoo with her daughter Alberta from the Audubon Zoo’s in May of 2021. As a 25-year-old giraffe, she is geriatric as the average life expectancy of a giraffe in a zoo environment is 25 – 26 years of age while a giraffe in the wild only lives to be between 17 to 20 years of age.
The Zoo's veterinary and animal care teams monitor Sue Ellen daily, and adjust her care plan based on her mobility, appetite, and overall demeanor. Zoo guests may notice that Sue Ellen is moving more slowly than in the past, spending more time standing still throughout the day, and favoring two of her legs. All these patterns are normal signs of her age and condition.
"Sue Ellen has brought so much joy to our guests and staff over the years," said Kristen Moore, Director of Animal Care. "As she begins to slow down, our priority is her comfort and well-being.” We continue to provide her with opportunities to do what she loves most, especially interacting with guests during giraffe feedings,” said Moore. “That time remains the highlight of her day."
Sue Ellen will continue to participate in giraffe feeding experiences as she chooses, which does provide her with valuable enrichment and social interaction. In the coming weeks and months, her care team will closely monitor her quality-of-life indicators and will make all decisions in her best interest, prioritizing her comfort and dignity.
The Hattiesburg Zoo thanks its guests for their continued support and affection for Sue Ellen and invites the community to visit Sue Ellen during daily giraffe feeding times and share in the special moments that have made her such a beloved member of the Hattiesburg Zoo family. Guests who have memories or photos with Sue Ellen are welcome to share them on social media using #SueEllenTheGiraffe. The Zoo will share updates as appropriate and remain dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for Sue Ellen throughout this stage of her life.
