FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
Caldwell Zoo – Tyler, Texas
Caldwell Zoo Announces the Passing of Cricket, a Beloved Reticulated Giraffe
Caldwell Zoo is deeply saddened to share the loss of Cricket, a cherished member of the zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd. After an extensive, months-long effort to treat a persistent and complex infection in her feet, the zoo’s executive team—guided by its veterinary staff, animal husbandry experts, and consulting specialists—made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Cricket when no viable medical options remained.
“Cricket developed severe infections in her feet that our team has been aggressively treating for several months,” said Scott Maddox, President and CEO of Caldwell Zoo. “We always strive to provide the absolute best care for every member of our animal family, and we are all extremely saddened that we couldn’t save Cricket.”
Throughout her treatment, Cricket underwent multiple medical procedures, including four major interventions focused on her hoof and lower limb health. During her most recent procedure, specialists discovered that the infection had advanced further, despite every effort to treat the area. The blood supply beneath her hoof wall had significantly diminished, the bones in her foot were beginning to deteriorate, and the coronary band—responsible for generating new hoof growth—had hardened and lost all blood flow.
After detailed discussions with the zoo’s veterinary team and consulting expert farrier Steve Foxworth, it became clear that any remaining options would have required frequent immobilizations, carried an extremely low likelihood of recovery, and would have resulted in prolonged and unmanageable pain.
“Everyone knew going into this process that this outcome was a possibility,” said Dr. Neely. “We applied every treatment option possible, including rounds of strategic antibiotics, wound treatment, and even advanced stem cell therapy. Our entire team gave their all. We are all taking this hard, but we’re incredibly proud of our staff, who approached every step with professionalism, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to do what was best for Cricket.”
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Immediately following Cricket’s euthanasia, keepers and veterinarians completed a planned standing-sedation hoof procedure on another giraffe, successfully trimming and correcting her hoof. This preventive work will help ensure the long-term health and mobility of the herd.
A full necropsy was also performed on Cricket to help the zoo’s veterinary and husbandry teams learn as much as possible from this case. The insights gained—along with the specialized experience developed by farrier Foxworth and the entire care team— will strengthen future treatment strategies for giraffes and other animals at Caldwell Zoo and beyond.
“Even though the outcome for Cricket is not what we hoped for, we’ve made enormous gains in knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing complex giraffe health challenges,” Maddox shared. “Cricket’s legacy will be lasting and extremely valuable. We are so thankful for Dr. Johnson’s contribution with stem cell treatment, Steve’s excellence in hoof care, and the nonstop devotion of the entire staff.”
“Cricket taught us so much,” reflects Scotty Stainback, Curator of Mammals. “She was such a fighter. Her fight was not in vain. Everyone involved learned an incredible amount through the medical procedures, and ongoing research will provide keen insights to help save giraffes around the country in the future.”
The animal keepers, veterinary team, and entire Caldwell Zoo community will remember Cricket for her gentle presence, elegant grace, and the joy she brought to guests and staff alike. Caldwell Zoo is home to more than 30 species that are threatened or endangered in the wild, including the reticulated giraffe. Through careful breeding programs, research initiatives, and conservation-focused care, the zoo remains committed to ensuring the survival of vulnerable species for generations to come.
