Officials: 2 female giraffes die at Baton Rouge Zoo

BATON ROUGE -- Officials say two giraffes have died at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo.

Local media outlets report zoo officials say the two animals died Saturday.

Officials say one of the animals, a 24-year-old female giraffe, died after battling a recurring leg problem for the past eight years. Officials say Hope was receiving treatment for the chronic limp, but could not stand on Friday.

Sam Winslow, the zoo's general curator, says staff decided later on Saturday to euthanize Hope, whose condition had worsened.

Zoo officials say the second giraffe, a 30-year-old female named Mopani, died of injuries after she was knocked down by another giraffe in a barn stall.

Winslow says both giraffes had been living at the zoo for more than 20 years.

Necropsies on both animals are being performed.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Officials: 2 female giraffes die at Baton Rouge Zoo ."