NFL teams
ESPN News Services 3y

Giraffe named for Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow dies after falling ill

NFL, College Football, Cincinnati Bengals, LSU Tigers

A young giraffe named for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and former LSU star Joe Burrow died Wednesday, a day after falling ill.

Officials at the Baton Rouge Zoo said in a release Thursday that the 20-month-old giraffe named Burreaux had died after developing a sudden onset of symptoms Tuesday, including a severe cough and overall agitation.

"The Zoo's veterinary staff took immediate measures to help, including swiftly administering medications to stabilize," the statement said. "As well, he underwent constant staff evaluation to optimize his chances of recovery. The Zoo's team reached out to numerous zoological veterinarians throughout the nation -- none of which had experienced a giraffe with comparable symptoms."

The Burreaux name had been chosen in a fundraiser run by the zoo and came after Burrow spelled it that way on the back of his jersey for the Tigers' Senior Night in 2019.

The zoo said an LSU veterinary team has performed a necropsy to determine the possible cause of death. The official results are expected in about 30 days.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

^ Back to Top ^