8 October 2025
We are so sad to share that Bashu, a 13-year-old male giraffe at Whipsnade Zoo has passed away.
The difficult decision to euthanise him was due to serious intestinal issues that also caused his kidneys to fail.
The Zoo’s giraffe-herd patriarch has been under veterinary observation for more than a year due to an ongoing foot condition, which saw the giant mammal undergo a radical hoof procedure under general anaesthetic in June this year.
Bashu was fitted with temporary ‘shoes’ following the procedure, and has been closely monitored ever since by zookeepers and vets, and appeared to be doing well.
However, on Monday 6 October, Bashu’s keepers called vets to report that he had been off his food for more than a day – something very unusual for a giraffe - and they were concerned.
Vets carried out an emergency standing sedation on Monday morning – where Bashu remained upright while vets conducted their health check – to investigate. They could instantly see that Bashu was bloated and uncomfortable, signs that he was contending with a serious gastrointestinal issue.
Further investigation showed that Bashu was also dehydrated, and his blood tests revealed the devastating results that his kidneys were failing. With the likelihood that Bashu would not have made it another day, and to save him from any further pain, it was decided that the kindest option for him was euthanasia.
A post mortem investigation was carried out by ZSL’s veterinary pathologist to confirm the cause of death. The investigation showed that Bashu had experienced a severe, and untreatable, intestinal issue, which would have caused his kidneys to fail.
Post mortem investigations help build crucial knowledge of the animals cared for at Whipsnade Zoo, helping to inform their care in zoos around the world and conservation efforts in the wild. Bashu’s incredible legacy will also live on through his five calves – including Nuru and Wilfred, who now live at London Zoo, and Myra, and Timba, who are still at Whipsnade. All are part of the vital international conservation breeding programme for their endangered species.
Bashu was beloved by his keepers, vets, and visitors alike, having been at Whipsnade Zoo since 2014. A true gentle giant - he was a calm, inquisitive, and sweet member of the herd, and has left a truly lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Amanda Guthrie, Head of Wildlife Services, said: “It's truly sad to say goodbye to such an iconic animal, but we can take some solace in knowing that we did everything we could for him. It’s been through profound dedication from vets and keepers that Bashu has received the highest standard of care up until this point, but sadly his condition could not be treated, and this was the kindest outcome.”
Matthew Webb, Head of Zoological Operations at Whipsnade Zoo, said: “Bashu was a wonderful giraffe, and much loved by staff and visitors alike. His legacy lives on through the five calves he fathered at Whipsnade Zoo - Timba, Myra, Wilfred, Khari and Nuru. We’ll now focus on taking care of the rest of the herd as they adjust to life without Bashu.”
