Como Park Zoo Euthanizes Skeeter the Giraffe
The 17-year-old animal was euthanized by care staff following months of declining mobility and health due to arthritis.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Large Animals
Staff at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul have euthanized Skeeter, the facility's 17-year-old giraffe. The decision followed months of declining health caused by arthritis that limited the animal's mobility.
Why it matters
Managing aging animals with chronic conditions requires balancing quality of life with medical intervention, a standard challenge for large-mammal caregivers. Skeeter, who lived within the typical 15-to-20-year giraffe lifespan, was the largest animal at the local zoo.
Skeeter sired eight calves during his residence at the zoo, which began in 2010. The animal previously received stem-cell treatment in 2021 for a broken foot bone.
The players
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
A Saint Paul facility that cares for large animals and educates the public on wildlife conservation.
The details
Como Park Zoo staff monitored the giraffe through months of declining health before choosing euthanasia to address his pain and limited mobility. The intervention followed a history of orthopedic management, including a 2021 stem-cell procedure intended to treat a broken foot bone.
Timeline
2010: Skeeter arrived at the Como Park Zoo.
2021: Skeeter received stem-cell treatment for a broken foot bone.
October 22, 2026: The date the giraffe was euthanized.
The Home Front
The use of advanced procedures like stem-cell therapy in zoo environments reflects a growing commitment to extending the comfort of aging captive animals. This case underscores the challenges of managing mobility-limiting arthritis in large species that are reaching their natural life expectancy.
Residents planning a visit to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory may notice changes to the animal exhibits as staff manage the herd's social structure. If you care for aging pets at home, monitor their mobility patterns and consult your veterinarian early about pain management strategies.
The takeaway
Skeeter the giraffe serves as a reminder that monitoring quality of life is the primary responsibility for those managing aging animals with mobility issues. Families can continue to support local conservation efforts by checking the current zoo exhibit schedule before planning a visit.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife care standards in our Large Animals section.
