Life-Threatening Growth on Giraffe's Jaw Prompts High-Risk Procedure at Seneca Park Zoo

Kipenzi, a 6-year-old Masai giraffe at Seneca Park Zoo, has a life-threatening growth under her jaw that is impacting her ability to eat. Veterinarians will perform a biopsy and radiograph to determine the nature of the growth, which they suspect could be a tumor. Anesthesia poses risks for giraffes due to their body structure, but the team will carefully monitor Kipenzi's vital signs during the procedure. If the growth is determined to be malignant, there may be limited treatment options available.