Tributes paid to "sweet, hilarious" Yorkshire Wildlife Park giraffe Palle
The popular resident of the zoo has sadly passed away
Last updated 24th Dec 2025
Staff at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have paid tribute to one of their giraffes, Palle, who has been put to sleep due to ongoing health issues.
Palle arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in 2012 from Copenhagen at just two years old, quickly becoming a popular character among staff and visitors at the attraction, near Doncaster
Paying tribute, his keepers said: “Palle could be equal parts sweet, hilarious, and frustrating all at the same time."
“We will miss seeing his face peeking over at us in the morning, watching him stare at every vehicle that drove past the giraffe yard (the brighter the better!).
“He was a superstar to train (most of the time) and took part in several brilliant training demonstrations, showing off his cooperative hoof care to guests over the last few years.
"We are all heartbroken to say goodbye to such a big character. We'll miss you, Palle.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park have thanks members of the public for sharing their own memories of Palle.
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