Heartbreaking day for San Diego animal lovers: giraffe, polar bear die same day at zoo

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- It was a mournful day for animal lovers in San Diego. On the same day polar bear Kalluk died, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said goodbye to another long-time resident: Nicky, a matriarch of the zoo’s giraffe herd.

At 28, Nicky was believed to be the oldest Masai giraffe in North America. She arrived at the San Diego Zoo in 1999 and quickly became a beloved member of the zoo’s family.

As the longest-standing member of the giraffe herd, she held a matriarchal role, helping to raise generations of giraffes. She raised five calves throughout her lifetime, including her son Chifu, who is the father of her grandson Madoada, born at the zoo last month.

In recent years, Nicky had been showing signs of her advanced age, according to a statement posted by the zoo.