TORONTO, ON, February 13, 2026 - We have received the final postmortem report on Kiko and want to express our deep gratitude to our colleagues at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph for their thorough work.
Findings from Kiko’s complete postmortem evaluation are consistent with cardiac failure associated with acute muscle exertion. This occurred after his head became entrapped in a small gap between the slide/shift door and a vertical post when the door was opening, an incident resulting in almost immediate death. This process, referred to as “exertional myopathy,” can occur with periods of intense increased activity – as was the case with Kiko trying to free himself – resulting in a release and subsequent build-up of muscle enzymes that cause tissue damage. This condition is well documented in ungulates (including giraffes) although all vertebrates including birds are susceptible. A CT scan was also performed and did not identify fractures or other abnormalities in his neck. There were also no microscopic abnormalities to suggest an underlying condition that could have contributed to sudden death.
Shifting giraffes from one area to another
This was a routine move for Kiko that our team has done thousands of times without incident, and staff were fully trained and followed procedures for shifting giraffes, which makes this outcome even more difficult for all who cared for Kiko to accept. Kiko’s loss requires us to face uncomfortable facts: this tragedy stemmed from an unforeseen vulnerability when the door is opening.
While these results cannot ease our heartbreak, they do provide some clarity during this difficult time.
Next Steps
As a result of our findings to date, we have initiated the following steps:
- Reviewing staff training documents to determine if any updates are required
- Launching a thorough review by an independent third-party to review human factors and processes
- A special inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to review animal care processes has been booked
- Conducting an internal review of all animal habitat retrofits (existing and future) to ensure safety for staff and animals, with an immediate focus on those areas with hydraulic doors
We are committed to learning everything we can from this heartbreaking loss and making changes as required based on any findings to aid in preventing this from happening in the future at our Zoo or any zoo that is privileged to care for these majestic animals.
Mstari, female Masai giraffe, Late Stage Pregnancy
While we dig deeper to understand this tragedy, we continue to support Mstari in her late stage of pregnancy to ensure she remains safe and healthy. We have received questions from our community about Mstari raising a calf on her own. Male giraffes play little to no direct role in raising their calves, as parental care is almost entirely the responsibility of the mother and, at times, other females in a group setting. After mating, males largely resume their typical routines of feeding, roaming, and competing for access to receptive females rather than providing protection, guidance, or caring to their offspring. Calves instead depend entirely on their mothers for nursing, security, and social learning.
Messages of Support
We want to thank our community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your kind messages have meant the world to us. Kiko’s passing reminds us of the profound responsibility we hold in caring for every animal and we honour his life by learning all we can to improve the well-being and future of those that follow him.
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