“Colby,” a male giraffe at The ZOO of Northwest Florida, died in his exhibit on Sunday evening, Feb. 15.   The 13 year-old giraffe was born on Feb. 5, 1996, and was on breeding loan to The ZOO from the Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa. The average life-span of a giraffe in captivity is 18 years.Around 5 p.m., an animal care supervisor heard loud noises coming from the giraffe barn. Upon entering the barn, the supervisor found Colby lying down and trying to get up. The ZOO veterinarian was immediately contacted and arrived on site with his team to begin treatment. Colby died after vomiting heavily and aspirating into his lungs. Earlier in the day, repairs were being made to the giraffe exhibit, but no signs of anxiety were noted in the giraffe’s behavior by staff.  The preliminary necropsy report showed significant lung damage due to prior bouts with pneumonia and severe arthritis in his hips, which would limit his ability to lift his own weight to a standing position.For more information, www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org.