News: Giraffe dies in fire at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Posted at 2:44 PM EDT (1844 GMT)

Sep. 6th, 2007 -- Yesterday a 2-year-old male giraffe was killed in an early morning blaze at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom that also destroyed the giraffe barn, officials said today.

Two female giraffes had already escaped the blaze by the time fire crews had arrived.

Investigators cite an electrical short in the barn that sent embers down to the hay-covered ground.

Officials are monitoring the two female giraffes, Makali, 2, and Nairobi, 17, who are eating and appear to be recovering, an official said.

"The park and the staff are extremely saddened by this, but we have to put that aside and get out there and go on autopilot," said a park spokesperson.

For more information, visit San Francisco Chronicle.

ThrillNetwork brings you news and information about amusement parks, theme parks, roller coasters and thrill rides. Here you will find up-to-date news and travel discounts on your favorite parks including, Six Flags, Cedar Point, Cedar Fair, Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Paramount Parks.