Crooknecked giraffe put to sleep at Santa Barbara Zoo

One of the Santa Barbara Zoo's most recognizable and beloved animals, Gemina the "crooknecked" giraffe, was humanely euthanized Wed., Jan. 9.

The giraffe's health had been declining over recent weeks until she had stopped eating altogether. Causes of her poor health are unknown, but old age is suspected, as Gemina lived beyond the average life expectancy for a female giraffe.

A generation of central California schoolchildren made Gemina a popular local figure. She was the only nonhuman in a list of internationally known Santa Barbara figures in a 2006 Santa Barbara News-Press story.

A memorial fund for Gemina has been established. Proceeds will directly benefit giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo.