A 13-year-old giraffe died at Toronto Zoo Jan. 1, 2026, from heart failure after struggling to free his head from a hydraulic door gap during a habitat move.

A 13-year-old Masai giraffe named Kiko died on January 1, 2026, at the Toronto Zoo from cardiac failure caused by acute muscle exertion after his head became trapped in a gap between a hydraulic door and a post during a habitat move. A postmortem found no underlying health issues, with the cause attributed to exertional myopathy from struggling to free himself. The zoo, which followed standard protocols, is now conducting internal and third-party reviews of safety procedures, staff training, and habitat retrofits, particularly around hydraulic doors. An inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is also planned. Kiko’s mate, Mstari, remains in late-stage pregnancy. The zoo expressed sorrow and reaffirmed its commitment to improving animal safety.