Knoxville Zoo is saddened to announce the death of one of its favorite animals. Jim, a male giraffe, died on May 20. He was 9-years-old. Jim was born at Knoxville Zoo on November 20, 2000, and was the namesake of the zoo's executive director, Jim Vlna.
Jim was being closely monitored and treated by University ofTennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) Drs. Ed Ramsay and Stephanie McCain for unexplained weightloss, despite a healthy appetite. A necropsy will be conducted by UTCVM staff to officially determine the cause of hisdeath.
This is a difficult day for staff at Knoxville Zoo. Expressions of sympathy for Jim's keepers and his other caregivers maybe sent to Attn: Thoughts for Jim, Knoxville Zoo, P.O. Box6040, Knoxville, TN 37914.,