Fenny, a Masai giraffe who had lived at Fresno Chaffee Zoo since 2019, died Friday after complications arose while he was under anesthesia for a procedure related to a fractured hoof, the zoo announced.

Fenny had been receiving treatment for a fracture in his left front hoof, according to the zoo. Animal care and veterinary teams had been treating the injury, including applying a specially designed “shoe” to his hoof.

The zoo said Fenny was placed under anesthesia during a necessary procedure to evaluate the hoof’s progress when complications developed. Despite efforts by the zoo’s team, Fenny died Friday morning.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our Zoo,” CEO and Zoo Director Jon Forrest Dohlin said. “Fenny was a key member of our giraffe herd and has had a meaningful impact on the hearts of both staff and guests alike. My very sincere condolences are with our teams who cared for Fenny every day and to our guests who interacted with him. He will be deeply missed by our entire community.”

Fenny arrived at Fresno Chaffee Zoo in 2019 and became a member of its giraffe herd. The zoo said he also served as an educational ambassador for his species.

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