The Hattiesburg Zoo announced that Sue Ellen, one of its first giraffes, passed away on November 17 at the age of 25. A familiar face to thousands of visitors since arriving in 2021, Sue Ellen lived a long life by giraffe standards. Giraffes in the wild typically reach 17 to 20 years, while those in zoo care often live between 25 and 28. For the Zoo, her lifespan was a testament to years of careful, attentive husbandry.
Sue Ellen had been struggling with age-related osteoarthritis for about a year, and in mid-October 2025, the Zoo shared her condition publicly. Her care team introduced a wide range of treatments—pain medications, joint supplements, hydrotherapy sessions, and softer ground materials—to help her stay comfortable. But over time, her mobility declined, and eventually the Zoo faced a painful decision. After exhausting every option available and seeing no signs of improvement, the animal care team chose humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
For Kristen Moore, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Care, the decision marked the culmination of a long and emotional year. She explained that Sue Ellen had developed “pretty significant arthritis in a lot of her joints,” and although staff tried “all of the meds and all of the treatments and all the things that we could,” her condition continued to worsen. Moore noted that the team had hoped for improvement, but “ultimately, at the end, she just wasn’t improving” and was becoming significantly more uncomfortable.
Sue Ellen’s final moments were spent surrounded by the keepers and staff who knew her intimately. Many had worked with her daily since her arrival, forging relationships built on trust and routine. Moore emphasized how close the staff become with the animals in their care, acknowledging that they often “spend more time with them than we do with our families,” making losses like this especially difficult.
As one of the first two giraffes to arrive at the Hattiesburg Zoo—along with her daughter Alberta—she became a central part of the Zoo experience, shaping countless memories for families. Alberta is still at the zoo along with a younger giraffe, Grace.
The Zoo expressed gratitude to the community for its compassion. Kristen Moore, speaking on behalf of the staff, thanked guests for their support as the team navigates its own grief. She also shared that, out of respect for Alberta and Grace visitors should be mindful not to overwhelm them with questions or conversations about Sue Ellen’s absence. The two younger giraffes noticed the change immediately, Moore explained. During the first days after Sue Ellen’s passing, they were visibly searching for her, though they have begun adjusting. As herd animals, they adapt to new group structures, but the transition takes time.
Looking ahead, the Zoo has already notified the Species Survival Program of Sue Ellen’s passing and expects to welcome another giraffe in the future. They are hoping to get a male giraffe in order to start growing the herd within Hattiesburg. For now, however, the focus remains on honoring Sue Ellen’s legacy, caring for the animals she leaves behind, and allowing both staff and visitors to grieve the loss of a giraffe who touched so many lives.
Sue Ellen’s presence will be deeply missed, but the stories, connections, and quiet moments she shared with guests will continue to shape the Hattiesburg Zoo for years to come.
