Indonesia zoo giraffe dies with plastic in stomach

[March 03, 2012]  SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) -- An aging giraffe at Indonesia's largest zoo has died with a large lump of plastic found in his stomach, causing concern among zoo officials.

Anthan Warsito, the spokesman for the Surabaya Zoo in East Java's capital, says the 30-year-old giraffe -- named "Kliwon" -- was sick for several days before dying Thursday. Giraffes have a life expectancy of 20-30 years, and Warsito says Kliwon's death was not surprising.

But an autopsy Friday found a 44-pound (20-kilogram) lump of plastic in Kliwon's stomach. The lump had a diameter of 23 inches (60 centimeters).

Warsito said Saturday the plastic appeared to be from wrapped food thrown by zoo visitors, and from garbage that had blown into his stall. Kliwon was the zoo's only giraffe.

Warsito said other animals at the zoo would be given checkups.

[Associated Press]

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