Como Park Zoo euthanizes Skeeter the giraffe, a favorite of visitors and zookeepers

October 30, 2026 - 05:18

Officials at a Midwest zoo have announced the euthanasia of a giraffe that had become a favorite among both visitors and the people who cared for him. The animal, named Skeeter, was described by zoo staff as an unforgettable combination of engaging, stubborn, gentle, and mischievous. His personality made him stand out, and those who worked with him daily said he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In recent months, the zoo reported that arthritis had begun to limit Skeeter's mobility. The condition made it increasingly difficult for him to move around his enclosure and to rest comfortably. Staff monitored his condition closely and considered available options, but ultimately determined that his quality of life had declined to a point where euthanasia was the most humane choice.

The decision was not made lightly. Zookeepers who spent years working with Skeeter remembered him as an animal with a strong character and a gentle nature. Visitors often stopped to watch him, and he had become one of the more recognizable animals at the zoo. His absence will be felt by the staff who provided his daily care and by the many people who encountered him during visits.

Zoos routinely face difficult decisions when aging animals experience chronic health problems. In Skeeter's case, officials said the arthritis had progressed enough that continued treatment could no longer provide adequate relief. The zoo emphasized that the welfare of the animal guided the final decision, and staff members were given time to say goodbye.