Nursing baby giraffe 'Fenn' dead after being 'unexpectedly startled' at zoo

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WKRC) — A nursing baby giraffe has died after being "unexpectedly startled" at a zoo Wednesday.

The North Carolina Zoo issued a statement announcing the calf's death on it's official website.

"North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, the beloved six-month-old giraffe calf, whose birth and presence at the Zoo delighted individuals around the world," the statement read in part.

According to the announcement, Fenn the giraffe was nursing when he was unexpectedly startled by another giraffe. Per the zoo, Fenn ran away, collided with a gate and fell to the ground. Fenn suffered neck and head trauma from the fall and died, despite lifesaving efforts from veterinary staff, per the zoo.

"Fenn was an energetic and vibrant addition to the giraffe herd (or tower) and quickly became a cherished member of the Zoo community," the zoo said.

Per the statement, Fenn was born at the North Carolina Zoo on May 20, to mother Leia and father Jack, and was named in a public poll that garnered over 100,000 votes.

Staff members and caretakers, who the zoo said formed a special bond with Fenn since his birth, asked for privacy during their time of grief.