Cape May County Zoo Announces Death Of Beloved Giraffe

CAPE MAY, NJ (CBS) – There's some sad news out of Cape May.

The Cape May County Zoo released a statement on Tuesday saying it was "saddened" to announce the passing of Aziza, the zoo's first female giraffe.

"Aziza was one month shy of 20 years old and was a beloved resident of the Cape May County Zoo since 1995; she came from the Pittsburgh zoo as a 6 month old calf. During her time here Aziza delivered three calves of her own, the latest being 'Mae' back in March 2014", said Dr. Hurbert Paluch, DMV and Director, in a release.

Aziza arrived at the zoo almost 20 years ago and was one of the first inhabitants of the "Savannah" exhibit.

She reportedly died from a degenerative heart condition.

Zoo officials say Aziza "passed peacefully."

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