Samson is still alive and well, but lonely

2 females were imported for him, with the sponsorship of billionaire Alec N. Wildenstein.
The origin of both is African Safari Wildlife Park.
First one, Liouba (named after Alec's second wife from Russia) arrived in July 2002, at the age of 13 months.
The transfer route was: Port Clinton - Chicago (by truck), Chicago - Shannon - Frankfurt - Moscow (by plane). During the flight, she injured a leg (twisted digits).
Liouba began to be exhibited since late January 2003. She undergone 2 surgery operations on the leg, but ultimately collapsed and died in mid February 2004.
Zoo officials proudly told that she was cremated. Damn it, how wise!!! Giraffes grow on trees, indeed - and any museum can pick one if needed.
The second one, named Twiga (renamed Dosia) arrived 13 october 2004. However, she wasn't administered anthrax vaccine before, and officials decided to do it at the end of quarantine term. The animal died from instantly developed allergy.
I confused the others' subspecies btw, they're actually South african giraffes.
The recent death of 2 SA giraffes is not reported at the news, I knew about it from zoo's response at guestbook. In return, I asked about animals' bodies fate... bet they won't reply.
Time to go on safari and bag a giraffe for my university museum, heh.