ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Albuquerque city officials blame miscommunication for the remains of a Rio Grande Zoo giraffe being placed in a trash bin.
The 16-year-old giraffe, Kashka, was euthanized at the Albuquerque zoo last week after a debilitating leg injury.
A Friday memo from city officials to Mayor Richard Berry, who ordered an investigation, said the outcome "was not an act of insubordination or disrespect, but appears to be the result of a very unfortunate miscommunication between the zoo manager and a zoo employee."
Reports on the incident say both the zoo and Albuquerque's landfill are reviewing procedures and will ensure employees are trained. The landfill has a special area where animal remains are buried.
The reports say disciplinary action will be taken if necessary.
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