Zoo leaves dismembered dead giraffe in bin

The mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, ordered an inquiry after a dismembered dead giraffe was left in a rubbish bin.

The giraffe, called Kashka, suffered a debilitating leg injury in a fall. Rio Grande Zoo said attempts to treat her condition were not likely to be successful, so veterinarians decided last week to put it down.

But instead of following protocol and taking the 15ft, 2,000lb giraffe to the landfill, a zoo worker put the dismembered carcass in a bin near the zoo. A dustbin lorry driver found the remains the next day.

"This is nothing short of outrageous," said mayor Richard Berry's spokesman, Chris Ramirez.

Kashka was a great favourite at the zoo, which said she was like a family member. The 16-year-old giraffe had six calves since she arrived there from Miami in 1994.

Rio Grande zoo official Betty Rivera said: "We're very, very sad, embarrassed and upset."