KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knoxville Zoo is saddened to announce the death of one of its favorite animals.  Jim, a male giraffe, died on May 20.  He was 9-years-old.  Jim was born at Knoxville Zoo on November 20, 2000, and was the namesake of the zoo’s executive director, Jim Vlna.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Jim was being closely monitored and treated by University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) Drs. Ed Ramsay and Stephanie McCain for unexplained weight loss, despite a healthy appetite. A necropsy will be conducted by UTCVM staff to officially determine the cause of his death. 

This is a difficult day for staff at Knoxville Zoo.  Expressions of sympathy for Jim’s keepers and his other caregivers may be sent to Attn: Thoughts for Jim, Knoxville Zoo, P.O. Box 6040, Knoxville, TN 37914.

Jim Vlna, Knoxville Zoo executive director, and Lisa New, director of animal collections – mammals and birds, will be available for media interviews at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the zoo’s front entrance.

Please contact Tina Rolen, assistant director of marketing, at (865) 637-5331, ext. 377 (office) or (865) 640-0351 (mobile) with any questions.

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