Giraffe Franny dies at Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Franny the giraffe was euthanized Wednesday at Brookfield Zoo. She was 24.

The Chicago Zoological Society made the "difficult decision to humanely euthanize her ... after age-related degenerative arthritis began to severely impact her daily comfort and quality of life."

Veterinarians had closely monitored her quality of life as she aged. Franny lived at the Brookfield Zoo for 23 years. The reticulated giraffe was a guest favorite, as well as a staff favorite.

"Franny truly was an ambassador for the species in the wild," Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs, said in a statement. She was part of a global initiative to create awareness and strengthen conservation of the species in Africa.

Franny has three calves, including Arnieta, 8, who still lives at Brookfield Zoo, seven grand-calves and two great grand-calves at accredited North American zoos.

Arnieta and other members of the zoo's giraffe herd- Potoka, 2; Jasiri, 10; and Mithra, 25- are at Habitat Africa! The Savannah.