Santa Barbara Zoo

Infobox zoo
zoo_name=Santa Barbara Zoo

logo_width=160px
location=Santa Barbara, California, USA
coordinates=coord|34|25|10|N|119|39|54|W|type:landmark_scale:2500
area=30 acres (121,000 m²)
num_animals=600
members=AZA
website=http://www.santabarbarazoo.org

The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California. It was formerly known as the Child's Estate Zoo. The zoo has been ranked numerous times as one of the nation's best small zoos. It has 600 animals in numerous exhibits, including capybara and red pandas, and is famous for having had a giraffe with a crooked neck.

The "crooked-necked giraffe"

Gemina, (July 16, 1986 – January 9, 2008) the "crooked-necked giraffe," was one of the most popular animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. A Baringo giraffe, she was born with a straight neck at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. At the age of three she developed a bend in her neck. The zoo's veterinarian said that despite her deformity, “Gemina led a very typical existence and was treated as a normal member of the herd. She did not appear to be in discomfort and exhibited normal giraffe behaviors.” [cite press release
title = GEMINA, CROOKED-NECKED GIRAFFE DIES AT AGE 21
publisher = Santa Barbara Zoo
date = 2008-01-08
url = http://www.santabarbarazoo.org/media/pr_gemina_crooked_neck_giraffe_dies.pdf
accessdate = 2008-01-14]

Gemina was euthanized at the age of 21 years. "Consistent with the challenges of old age," she had lost her appetite and experienced a decline in quality of life. While the results of a necropsy will not be available until three weeks after her death, her deformity was not believed to be a cause of the condition that led to the decision to euthanize her.

In media

Gemina was featured in an episode of the television program "Miracle Workers", in which she was credited with inspiring a child with scoliosis.

The Santa Barbara Zoo was featured in an episode of "Behind the Bash" in March of 2006, when Giada de Laurentiis visited a catered wedding taking place at the zoo.

Gemina was mentioned in the show Alias (TV series): Sydney (Jennifer Garner) says "Yeah, I love it [Santa Barbara] . The zoo, that giraffe with the crooked neck."

References

External links

* [http://www.santabarbarazoo.org Official site]
* [http://www.sbzoo.org/videos.asp Video of Gemina]