Abilene Zoo Announces Death of Beloved Giraffe

ABILENE, TX — The Abilene Zoo announced the death Thursday of Punk, its 25-year-old female giraffe who had been in Abilene for nearly all of her life.

The zoo stated that Punk was humanely euthanized Wednesday, March 26, due to age-related mobility issues.

Punk was born Nov. 27, 1999, at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center outside Glen Rose, but she spent most of her life in Abilene after arriving at the zoo when she was 3.

She was one of the original giraffes who greeted visitors during the zoo’s bridge era.

She was “an instant favorite for visitors, keepers, and our entire community,” the Abilene Zoo posted on Facebook. “Over her incredibly long and joyful life, she touched countless hearts and created cherished memories for everyone who met her.”

The zoo stated that Punk began showing signs of age-related mobility issues about six months ago. The zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams developed a treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, to ensure her comfort. 

However, her mobility recently declined significantly, impacting her quality of life, leading to the decision to euthanize her.

“Punk had an exceptionally long and meaningful life, which is a testament to the incredible care provided by our team,” said Jesse Pottebaum, Abilene Zoo director. “She inspired generations of visitors, helped create lasting memories, and showed our zoo’s commitment to wildlife and conservation. Saying goodbye is deeply difficult, but we’re grateful for every moment she shared with us.”

Punk mothered two calves and was the grandmother of seven. 

The Abilene Zoo is inviting the community to share memories, stories, and photos of Punk.