Giraffe dies after becoming stuck between branches at Kunming zoo
A giraffe at a zoo in Kunming, Yunnan Province, died after its head became trapped between two tree branches on April 16, People's Daily reported.
The incident happened around 1:25pm at Kunming Zoo when the male giraffe, Hairong, tried to use the tree to scratch an itch and became stuck.
After zoo keepers discovered the situation they quickly worked together with vets to try to free the animal.
One of the branches was cut down from the tree to free the giraffe, which soon collapsed to the ground.
Hairong tried to stand up with the help of rescuers but failed due to its neck injury and a lack of blood supply to the brain.
It was pronounced dead at 6:40pm, despite the efforts of the team at the zoo.
The 10-year-old giraffe had been living at the zoo for five years. Representatives said Hairong often used the tree to scratch itself but had never got stuck before.