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Kipekee, the beloved spotless giraffe at Brights Zoo in Tennessee, passed away in November 2025.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After months of testing, the Brights Zoo has revealed the cause of death for Kipekee, the world’s only spotless giraffe. Kipekee died in November 2025.
Kipekee was born in July 2023 at Brights Zoo in Limestone. After her death, the zoo said they sent Kipekee to the University of Tennessee for a full veterinary necropsy to figure out why she died so young.
According to UT’s findings, Kipekee was born with a congenital abnormality affecting the blood vessels of her liver, which caused her liver to never function normally. Therefore, her body was unable to process nutrients properly and maintain healthy reserves over time.
Brights Zoo said that because she was born with this condition, despite close monitoring and veterinary care, her death was unpreventable and she began rapidly declining in the end.
“Kipekee passed away far too young, but she was deeply loved and cared for every day of her life,” Brights Zoo said on Facebook. “She meant so much to our animal care team, and especially to those who had the privilege of working closely with her and watching her grow.”
Kipekee’s name, which is Swahili for “unique,” was given to her after a naming contest soon after she was born.
“We are grateful we were able to give her comfort, attention, and dedicated care throughout her life. Thank you to everyone who has shared kind messages and support during this difficult time,” the zoo said.
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