Wellington Zoo's Tisa the giraffe - shown in 2009 - has died from age-related complications

Wellington Zoo's grand old dame giraffe Tisa has died after emergency surgery.

Zoo general manager animal care and science Mauritz Basson said Tisa, 26, had a health check and hoof trim under general anaesthetic last Thursday, and while Animal Care and Veterinary Science teams were optimistic about her recovery, Tisa's health deteriorated quickly due to her age.

"Our Animal Care and Veterinary Science teams have been monitoring Tisa's health closely over the past few days, after she refused to eat and drink following her initial procedure last week," Basson said.

Tisa, with artist Emma Gregory, was known to have a cheeky side.

"Tisa appeared weak and was showing signs of dehydration. As a last attempt to save Tisa's life, we decided to perform an emergency procedure under general anaesthetic Tuesday night, to run blood tests and give her fluids to treat her dehydration."

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Because of her age and recent general anaesthesia the procdure was risky, but the decided there was no other option.

rob kitchin Tisa mothered five children while at the zoo.

"It was in Tisa's best interest that we performed this emergency procedure. Her blood test on the night indicated signs of kidney failure and along with her old age, this contributed to her rapid decline leading up to this procedure," Basson said.

"Despite our best efforts to save her life, unfortunately Tisa did not recover from the anaesthetic Tuesday night and she passed way just before 1am Wednesday morning."

Tisa had been a much loved animal and thousands of zoo visitors have met her during the daily giraffe talk and Close Encounters.

"Tisa was a kind animal and well loved by zoo staff, volunteers, and visitors alike and we are very sad she has gone," herbivore keeper April Turnbull, who has cared for Tisa for nearly three years, said.

"Many of our visitors have told us about their fondness for Tisa, as her gentle character really touched everyone who had the chance to meet and connect with her.

"Most mornings when I would walk up to the African Savannah to tend to the Giraffes, Tisa would stick her head over the barrier and rest her head on my shoulder," Turnbull said.

But Tisa also had a cheeky side.

"You had to be careful when you were preparing the giraffe's breakfast ... as Tisa would poke her head through and steal food off the bench when you weren't looking."

Tisa came to Wellington Zoo from Melbourne in May 1991 and was part of an international conservation breeding programme for giraffes. Tisa and partner Ricky produced five offspring, with daughter Zahara still living at the zoo.