14 July 2010
Farewell Tony

Werribee Open Range Zoo's much-loved giraffe, Anthony (‘Tony'), was euthanased today following a deterioration of his arthritis.

Curator of Life Sciences, Madelon Willemsen, said the ageing giraffe had been treated extensively by zoo veterinarians, and alternative treatments such as acupuncture had been tried, but it did not prevent his condition from worsening recently.

‘We are all very sad about the loss of Tony but his condition had begun to affect his quality of life and this decision was in his best interests,' Ms Willemsen said.

Tony, 19 years old, was one of six giraffe that lived in the grassy plains of the zoo's Lower Savannah, alongside rhinos, zebra and antelope.

A Rothschild Giraffe, Tony is the most travelled giraffe in the Australasian region. He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, to parents Jaffa and Celeste who were from Canada. Tony had a brief stop at Melbourne Zoo in August 1993 before moving to Perth Zoo for breeding where he sired seven offspring. He then travelled to Werribee Open Range Zoo in April 2000 for retirement.

Tony has 42 descendents. Three of his sons - Mukulu, Tambo and Jimmy - have also sired many offspring, including Thembi and Amani, who now also live at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Giraffe Keepers, Debbie Jones, Justine Felix and Lance Weldhagen, said Tony was the most special animal they had known because of his big personality and friendliness.

The Keepers brushed Tony's coat daily to treat a skin allergy and they also gave him massages which they said he greatly enjoyed.

"Tony was not just an amazing giraffe but one of my best friends," Keeper Debbie Jones said.

"He had the biggest personality of any animal I have ever known and would always bring a smile to everyone's face. He will be sadly missed but his beautiful memories will stay in our hearts forever."

Below are some photos of Tony and tributes from zoo staff, volunteers, and visitors.   People can also visit the Zoos Victoria Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/zoosvictoria?ref=ts or visit Facebook and search for ‘Zoos Victoria'.

Tributes for Tony:

Tony is the one animal that reminds me every day how lucky I am to have the job that I do. He is an incredible animal to work with, although at times would test your patience but yet would also reward you in so many ways. One of his many idiosyncrasies was that he would never walk forward into the giraffe house. Instead he would always turn around and back his way in. This is just one of the many reasons that made Tony stand out from the rest and make him the special giraffe that he is. Tony thank you for all that you've given us, we will miss you so much! Our zoo will never be the same without you. Keeper Justine Felix

Tony definitely has the most character of all our six giraffe. We will miss giving him his daily brush before he would go out to please the crowds and we will miss him on the savannah bending over and looking for his keys. He never did find his keys! Keeper Lance Weldhagen

When Werribee Open Range Zoo Guide Sarah was married she arranged a photo shoot in the Savannah with the giraffes. As she spread her arms to have her gown adjusted, Tony quietly leant forward, gently plucked her bouquet from her hand and ate it. Safari Guide John Holman

I remember Tony as the cheeky giraffe who would always know how to steal the show. In the earlier days, he would know to stand in front of your bus long enough so that the keepers would be called down to coax him off the road with food. They say giraffe are not that intelligent, but it happened too many times for this to just be a coincidence. He loved to nibble on the windscreen wipers and try to stick his head into the bus windows. He always loved his tucker, so he was fantastic for Tall Order. He was always there until the last leaf or pellet was gone! Safari Guide Belinda Saunders

Tony always loved attention. One day, as soon as I said "No Tony won't put his head in the window and lick anyone" to a busload of school kids, he decided to lick the window as if to prove me wrong. He was one of the biggest, boldest characters in the Lower Savannah. Safari Guide Sarah Agterhuis

Visitors loved him as the most approachable giraffe and had no fear or reservation, no matter what scent, perfume or clothing colour people wore...He would take food from anyone even the smallest or most reluctant and ignored the screams of delight. With tears and extreme sadness I say goodbye to my friend, Tony. Safari Guide Ron Goldsmith

Tony was standing with an old dry rabbit hanging from his mouth. 'Tony's curious and will sometimes pick things up to check them out," I explained to the passengers. "He's not eating it!" Then chomp. He was eating it! I later read that giraffe and other herbivores will sometimes get extra nutrients from an animal carcass. But Tony demonstrated it! Safari Guide Chris Kemp

		Newspaper story of Tony's birth tony birth article.pdf  ( 482.3 KB )