Beloved Giraffe Tsunami Basant Passes Away at Hyderabad Zoo

Tsunami Basant, a 20-year-old giraffe, has died at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad due to age-related complications. Originally born during the 2004 tsunami in New Delhi, he was part of a 2009 animal exchange program. His death leaves the zoo with only one remaining male giraffe.

Tsunami Basant, a 20-year-old male giraffe, passed away at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, officials confirmed. The giraffe, brought to Hyderabad in 2009 as part of an animal exchange program, was born during the 2004 tsunami in New Delhi's National Zoological Park.

According to a statement from the zoo, Basant died at 11:30 PM on October 28th due to complications from old age. The giraffe had been battling arthritis in his hind legs for two years under the care of Dr. MA Hakeem, Deputy Director (Vet) at the zoo.

Veterinary experts have conducted a post-mortem to confirm Basant's cause of death, with samples sent to VBRI for further analysis. Dr. Sunil S Hiremath, Director and Curator of the zoo, stated that Basant was a star attraction and his loss is significant. The zoo now houses only one male giraffe, named Sunny.

(With inputs from agencies.)