We are saddened to share the unexpected loss of Clover, one of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s beloved giraffes.

While moving from her indoor exhibit to a behind-the-scenes area on Saturday, April 19, Clover appeared to be startled and fell. At this time, it’s unclear what caused the fall or what ultimately led to her passing. A full necropsy will be conducted to help determine the cause of death.

Clover was more than just one of the giraffes in our herd, she was a deeply loved member of the Como family, a gentle presence in the giraffe barn, and a quiet source of connection for so many keepers, visitors, and fellow giraffes over the years.

To help us honor her memory, Senior Zookeeper Jill, who worked closely with Clover, shared some of her personal reflections:

“Clover was a fantastic mama to 8 of her own babies and a great auntie to Daisy’s babies and more recently Ivy. She was very nurturing, and the calves seemed to gravitate to her. She was a very proud mama and liked to show her babies off as if to say, look what I made.

Clover was gentle and inquisitive. She gave full face licks if you made it to her inner circle and would gently bop your head or shoulder with her muzzle if she wanted attention.

Girl knew what she wanted. Clover would take days off when she pleased and refuse to leave her bedroom. There were days she didn’t want to come inside, and it took seeing her zookeeper in the doorway to remind her where to go. She never missed her afternoon nap.

Clover loved men in uniform, especially those with beards. Her favorite days were when Forestry helped to hang the giraffe shades for the season.

She knew her people, and if I showed up in the wrong colored shirt—she let me know it was unacceptable.

She couldn’t hide when she got upset—her tail cranked up like a pig’s. It was her biggest tell.

Her favorite enrichment was crepe paper. She loved to wrap it around her head and neck.

Clover was slow to warm up to new things and had particular feelings about doorways or locations she perceived as scary. It took her 10 years to come down to the feeding station, 12 years to walk through the exhibit forward doorway, over 8 hours to walk off her trailer when she arrived. She never stepped on the scale for us—and for whatever reason, one of the doors in the building didn’t exist to her. It was like an invisible wall.

I liked to describe Clover as the supermodel giraffe and quintessential ambassador for her species. She had the perfect Reticulated spot pattern and coloration—my favorite being the flower pattern on her right bum.

She was observant and careful about who she chose as her people. I was lucky to be one of them. She gently bopped me on the head during my interview 10 years ago, and I was a goner. I knew she could have anything she wanted from me.

She was really the only animal to notice my pregnancies, gently nuzzling my bump. She was the first to meet my babies—very curious and gentle.

Clover was a once-in-a-lifetime animal for me—one of those who left a footprint on my heart.”

As Jill’s memories so beautifully illustrate, Clover was more than just a giraffe to those who knew her. She was a gentle giant with a strong personality, a loving mother, a curious friend, and an unforgettable spirit.

We know many of you came to know and love Clover over the years, and her presence will be missed by all who had the joy of seeing her at Como.

We appreciate the public’s support and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you for keeping Clover—and the people who cared for her—in your thoughts.