Startled Baby Giraffe Dies at North Carolina Zoo After Crashing Into a Gate

Officials at the North Carolina Zoo are “heartbroken” after a baby giraffe that was startled while nursing crashed into a gate and fell, suffering fatal injuries. 

The zoo announced the death of the 6-month-old calf, Fenn, on Thursday.

"Fenn was nursing when he became unexpectedly startled by another giraffe," the zoo said in a news release. "He bolted, colliding with a nearby gate and falling to the ground. Unfortunately, Fenn sustained head and neck trauma from the fall and passed away late evening Dec. 13 despite receiving rapid medical intervention from veterinary staff."

Fenn was born at the zoo on May 20, in a moment that was celebrated on Facebook with a video of his birth. He was described as an "energetic and vibrant addition" to the herd.

"He entered the world as a beacon of hope, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 145 pounds," according to the release.

Officials at the zoo are devastated by the tragic accident.

"His playful antics and charming nature endeared him to staff and visitors alike," zoo officials said. "He will be remembered with fondness and love by all who knew him."