Keepers 'extremely sad' over giraffe's death

Safari park keepers have said the passing of a much-loved "sweet and cheeky" giraffe made them "extremely sad".

West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley confirmed 15-year-old Bwindi died following a short illness.

Deputy head keeper of ungulates Ian Nock said she "absolutely burst with personality" and had been a calming presence for the other giraffes in her herd.

"Losing any animal in your care is never an easy one," he added. "We often spend more time here with our animals than we do with our own family."

He said Bwindi had excelled at training. "She would do anything pretty much for a reward. She just had such a cheeky character about her.

"Whenever there was a feed bucket rattled or a banana walked past in someone's hands, she was always scoping it and seeing where it was.

"The giraffe house is a lot quieter and a lot less charismatic than it used to be."

Her sweet nature meant she was also one of the first giraffes to be introduced to new calves.

"Our first one that was born to Arusha, she was actually sort of like a birthing partner," Nock said. "She was in there with her because she was so calm and she just gave company to the mother."

He added. "She made all the other giraffes feel at ease. They're certainly, I think, noticing that she's not there. On the day, they were looking around to find her."

In a tribute posted on social media, the safari park said Bwindi had an incredibly special bond with her carers and made them smile every day

"She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of caring for her," it added.

Hundreds of followers shared their condolences, photos and memories from visiting Bwindi at the park.

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