A POPULAR giraffe has tragically died after breaking his neck in a gate inside his enclosure at a zoo in New York.
Six-year-old Parker – described as "a joy" to visitors – was found dead at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester.
Vets were immediately scrambled after zoo staff found Parker stuck in the Animals of the Savanna Building.
Medics desperately tried to save the young Masai giraffe's life, but he sadly died.
Superintendent Steve Lacy said the gate had been installed in 2018 and it was a "standard giraffe enclosure feature" used in zoos across the country.
He added: "The possibility of this kind of event happening was unforeseen and unprecedented."
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Officials said Parker, who arrived at the zoo in 2018, was "in excellent health".
He was the father of little Olmsted, the baby giraffe born last April.
Seneca Park Zoo Veterinarian Chris McKinney said: "Parker will be sorely missed by all.
"He had been in excellent health prior to this and was a joy to both staff and visitors.
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"Our priority is the health and well-being of our animals and any major event can certainly affect them.
"So far, all three giraffes, Iggy, Kipenzie, and Olmsted, are doing well. We will continue to monitor them closely in the coming days."
An autopsy confirmed Parker died from a broken neck.
“On review it appears from the nature of the fracture, and what we can see that death was almost instantaneous," Mr McKinney told News10NBC.
"So, it’s not something where he was trapped for a long period of time.
"As soon as he was stuck, he tried to extricate himself, that fracture would have been instant."
Zoo officials said they have notified the gate manufacturer about the incident.
And they said the structure is now being modified to ensure the wellness of three other giraffes.
Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said: "Our hearts go out to the Seneca Park community and all the dedicated professionals at Seneca Park Zoo with the news of the death of their giraffe Parker."
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said: "This is a tragedy for the Seneca Park Zoo community.
"From the staff who cared for and loved Parker, to the zoo guests and members who had their visits brightened by Parker's presence, we are all grieving this tremendous loss."
Officials at Seneca Park said Grief counsellors will be available to the staff this week.
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The Zoo Society has launched fundraiser in Parker's memory with all contributions going to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
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