Comments on: Ivan Giraffe: The Passing of a Legend

by: Chantelle

Sat, 31 May 2008 12:55:06 +0000

Ivan looks like he had such an interesting character. He seemed like he was very entertaining. This is very sad news.

by: max

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:43:10 +0000

i remember feeding ivan rest in peace

by: Jane Farwell

Sun, 11 May 2008 03:15:50 +0000

My daughter Sandy and I had been on board of the photo truck feeding Ivan his leaves. I have a wonderful photo of Ivan and me. His head is taller than my torsoe. He was so kind and likeable. On April 29 I took my daughter and while on a tour we saw Ivan down with vets looking him over and trying to get him up on his feet. It did not look good to us and we went home wondering. On May 9 my whole family came to a Roar and Snore event and discovered that Ivan had passed, probably of old age. We were saddened but know he is in Girafe Land and making his mark all over again. this picture and his memory will always be a part of me.

by: Carole

Tue, 06 May 2008 02:30:12 +0000

I hope you will post the results of the necropsy particularly since Ivan had not given any indication that he was ill prior to the day he passed away. Rest in peace, Ivan.

by: Margaret

Mon, 05 May 2008 20:10:18 +0000

Very to sorry to hear of your loss of Ivan. He sounds like quite a guy. What is the “normal” life span of a male giraffe in captivity? To have sired 23 offspring in 19 years is quite a remarkable achievement, and indicates to me that unless AI was used, he was a very healthy and robust animal, well liked by the “ladies.” Is Basel the little giraffe that just appeared in the past few months? If so, and Ivan sired him, was he born via AI, or natural breeding? If natural breeding, did something happen to Ivan recently, or did he die of old age?

Moderator’s note: Giraffes can live 15 to 20 years and sired all of his offspring naturally. He had not given any indication that he was ill prior to the day he passed away.

by: Vickie

Sun, 04 May 2008 03:41:20 +0000

Was Ivan’s death sudden and unexpected or had he been ill?

by: Judy J

Sat, 03 May 2008 17:31:16 +0000

Dearest Lance and all at the WAP,

I am in shock and you all must be devastated. Ivan had such a wonderful, prolific and full life with you at the WAP. Each visit we made was not complete until we saw Ivan. I remember well watching his antics–especially with Bucky, and can only hope that they are together now enjoying each others’ company. As much as I know he lived a full life I also know how terribly he will be missed. Bless you all in your time of grief and may you always have the happy memories that will soon replace the emptiness you are feeling now. I will never forget that beautiful grizzled face.

Ivan–overflowing personality, so tall and elegant, magnificent and proud–Rest In Peace.

Blessed Be With Love, Judy J

by: Susan (UK)

Sat, 03 May 2008 07:06:45 +0000

Sad news about Ivan. What a delightful giraffe - and a very happy one by the sound of it. He will live on in your memories and there will be many stories to tell about him in the years to come.

by: Carole

Sat, 03 May 2008 03:05:27 +0000

So very sorry to hear about the loss of Ivan — what a beautiful creature! I am so happy he had so many offspring. And what a delight to hear of his relationship with the Cape buffalo.

by: John

Sat, 03 May 2008 01:04:43 +0000

I just met Ivan on the photo caravan a couple of weeks ago and he touched me deeply. What a sweet and wonderful animal he was. I got several very close up photos of him and have been using an image of his left eye as the desktop on my computer. I can’t believe he’s gone… this breaks my heart. I am so sorry for all of you who knew him well. He will be missed.