Orana Wildlife Park's giraffe dies

Nathalie the giraffe.

Nathalie the giraffe is dead and staff at a Christchurch wildlife park are in mourning.

Orana Wildlife Park said in a statement this afternoon 25-year-old Nathalie, who was the second giraffe to be born at the zoo, died overnight.

Head keeper of exotic mammals Rob Clifford said staff and volunteers were "very upset" by the sudden loss of Nathalie.

"She was a grand old lady and one of the nicest giraffes I have worked with. We were very fortunate that Nathalie was such a genuine, gentle giant."

Thousands of visitors have hand fed Nathalie, who produced six calves, over the years, he said.

"She was a fabulous ambassador for large animals in general and would have enthused many children to have a love of wildlife."

A necropsy was carried out this afternoon, and staff were waiting for pathology results to confirm the cause of death.

"The loss of Nathalie takes Orana's giraffe herd to four animals. She will be sadly missed," Mr Clifford said.

Her death comes about a year after another giraffe passed away at the zoo. Nineteen-year-old Harold was found dead last June by his keeper.