Gemina, (July 16, 1986 – January 9, 2008) the "crooked-necked giraffe," was one of the most popular animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. A Baringo giraffe, she was born with a straight neck at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. At the age of three she developed a bend in her neck. The zoo's veterinarian said that despite her deformity, “Gemina led a very typical existence and was treated as a normal member of the herd. She did not appear to be in discomfort and exhibited normal giraffe behaviors.”[1]
Gemina was euthanized at the age of 21 years. "Consistent with the challenges of old age," she had lost her appetite and experienced a decline in quality of life. While the results of a necropsy will not be available until three weeks after her death, her deformity was not believed to be a cause of the condition that led to the decision to euthanize her.