Strike kills 2 giraffes

TWO giraffes that died at a Florida wildlife park last month were killed by lightning, officials say.

Lion Country Safari posted on Facebook that recent pathology results confirmed the giraffes died as a result of a lightning strike on May 3, and that the deaths were instantaneous.

Officials at the facility in Palm Beach County say Lily and Jioni were in a pasture when a severe thunderstorm quickly developed. The post says giraffes have access to numerous shelters in the habitat if they choose to use them.