BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Sampson the five-year-old giraffe at the Buffalo Zoo died due to complications following a medical procedure. Zoo officials made the announcement on the zoo's Facebook page Wednesday.
The post said that Sampson had recently developed a dental issue that impacted his ability to chew food. He was placed under anesthesia to resolve the problem, and the procedure was successful, but zoo officials say Sampson's appetite and bodily functions did not return to normal.
Sampson was born on October 24, 2014. His mother A.J. and father Mike both live at the zoo. He stood 14 feet tall.
Zoo officials say expert animal care and veterinary teams did everything in their power to try and save Sampson. They're asking the public to share memories or photos of Sampson on the zoo's Facebook page.
