Audubon Zoo Giraffe Fennessy Dies at Four

The zoo's remaining giraffe, Maverick, will get extra care while a necropsy seeks the cause.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Wildlife

Audubon Zoo Giraffe Fennessy Dies at Four

Audubon Zoo announced the death of Fennessy, a four-year-old giraffe that had come from Abilene Zoo. The zoo's remaining giraffe, Maverick, will receive extra support and care.

Why it matters

For New Orleans families who visit the zoo, the loss of a resident animal and the reshuffling of its giraffe care are the visible changes. The zoo has not yet determined why Fennessy declined, so the cause of death remains an open question for the animal care community.

Fennessy, a four-year-old giraffe, was humanely euthanized after his condition continued to worsen. The zoo's remaining giraffe, Maverick, is the only giraffe currently on display.

The players

Audubon Zoo

A New Orleans zoo whose giraffe Maverick remains on display after the loss of Fennessy.

Abilene Zoo

The zoo in Abilene that was Fennessy's previous home before he came to Audubon Zoo.

The details

Fennessy's care team first noticed a lack of appetite and lethargy, and the animal's condition continued to worsen despite examinations and ongoing supportive care. After that decline continued, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him. A necropsy will be performed to help determine what caused the decline, which the zoo has not yet identified.

Fennessy's health decline began before the announcement, with appetite loss and lethargy first noticed by his care team.
On Monday, November 2, 2026, Audubon Zoo announced Fennessy's death.

The Home Front

Zoo wildlife care sits within the broader context of accredited zoos reviewing animal health after unexplained deaths. Readers in New Orleans can see this as a local example of how wildlife institutions respond when a resident animal dies without a clear cause.

If you visit Audubon Zoo, the giraffe Maverick remains on display and will receive extra support and care. Families planning a visit can check the zoo's official channels for any updates on animal exhibits.

The takeaway

A zoo's animal care team can decline in health without a clear cause, which is why a necropsy matters for answering questions after a loss. For New Orleans visitors, the practical step is to keep an eye on the zoo's official updates as the necropsy results come in.