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Giraffe Dies Under Anesthesia At Baltimore Zoo

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Officials at the Maryland Zoo say a 16-year-old giraffe has died after being anesthetized for a hoof trimming.

Zoo officials say the giraffe named Zoe died Thursday. Zoo officials say hoof trimming is necessary to prevent growth that can interfere with a giraffe's ability to walk and anesthesia is difficult for giraffes because of their long bodies and large necks.

Zoo veterinarian Ellen Bronson says the giraffe seemed to be recovering well and then became decreasingly responsive.

The zoo has two other giraffes, a 14-year-old named Angel and 4-year-old Caesar.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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