A Keeper’s Love and a Giraffe’s Goodbye: The Story of Riste and Floppy in Skopje
On the morning of November 26, 2023, a wave of shock and grief swept through the Skopje Zoo in Macedonia. What began as a tragic loss—the sudden passing of beloved giraffe caretaker Riste Trajkovski—was followed only hours later by another devastating blow: the death of the zoo’s last giraffe, Floppy, who had been under Riste’s care for over a decade.
The closeness of these two deaths, separated by only a few hours, left colleagues, visitors, and the wider community struggling to make sense of what felt like an inseparable bond reaching its final chapter. For those who knew their story, it seemed almost as if the giraffe’s heart had stopped when the man who had devoted his life to caring for him was gone.
A Gentle Guardian
For more than ten years, Riste Trajkovski was the quiet, steady presence behind the Skopje Zoo’s giraffes. Known for his calm demeanor, gentle approach, and unwavering patience, he devoted himself to creating a safe and nurturing space for the animals that towered above him.
While zookeeping is often a behind-the-scenes profession, visitors frequently noticed the way Riste interacted with the giraffes—especially Floppy. Whether he was guiding the animal through daily feeding, gently brushing its coat, or simply standing nearby, the bond between man and giraffe was evident. Children often pointed, amazed at how the giraffe would lower its head as if to meet Riste halfway, as though in greeting.
Photographer Goran Anastasovski, who spent years documenting animals at the Skopje Zoo, shared that Riste was more than a caretaker; he was a companion. “He spent more time with the giraffes than with people,” Anastasovski recalled. “There was a trust between them that you could feel just by watching.”
The Day Everything Changed
In the early morning of November 26, Riste died unexpectedly, with reports pointing to a heart-related issue as the likely cause. News of his passing spread quickly through the zoo’s staff, leaving colleagues stunned and heartbroken.
But as they were processing the loss of their friend and coworker, tragedy struck again. Only hours later, Floppy, the zoo’s last remaining giraffe, collapsed. Despite the staff’s desperate efforts to save him, the animal could not be revived.
For the workers, visitors, and community, the timing felt almost too extraordinary to be coincidental. Many interpreted Floppy’s passing as a reflection of the bond he shared with Riste, a connection so strong that one could not live without the other.
A Bond That Touched a Community
Riste and Floppy’s relationship went beyond caretaker and animal; it became a symbol of dedication, compassion, and the rare connection that can form between humans and the creatures they care for. Zoo visitors often spoke about the warmth of watching them together, a reminder that love and loyalty are not limited to human relationships.
For a country like Macedonia, where the zoo serves as a cultural touchstone for families and tourists, the loss was deeply felt. Parents who once brought their children to marvel at Floppy now shared the story of Riste’s devotion, reminding younger generations of the power of kindness and consistency.
Social media soon filled with tributes. Photographs of Riste feeding Floppy, standing by his side, or simply watching over him were shared widely. Many wrote messages about how the pair represented a rare kind of bond, one that blurred the lines between species.
The Mystery of Animal Bonds
Stories like Riste and Floppy’s are not unheard of. Throughout history, there have been tales of animals that seem to grieve the loss of their human companions. Dogs refusing to leave their owner’s graves, elephants mourning their dead, and now, a giraffe whose passing coincided so closely with the man who loved him.
While science may search for rational explanations—stress, changes in routine, or biological vulnerability—many prefer to see something more profound. To those who knew them, Floppy’s death was not just biology; it was heartbreak.
Animal behaviorists note that giraffes, though often perceived as solitary, are sensitive creatures. They form attachments not only to their herd but also to humans who provide long-term care. For Floppy, Riste was more than a keeper; he was family.
A Legacy of Care
Though both Riste and Floppy are gone, their story continues to resonate. For the staff at Skopje Zoo, it is a reminder of the importance of empathy in animal care. Beyond feeding schedules and medical routines, what truly mattered was the trust and affection that defined their relationship.
Photographer Goran Anastasovski summed it up best: “Riste left an impression not just on the giraffes, but on all of us. His love was quiet but powerful. You could see it every time Floppy lowered his head to meet him. It was respect, it was friendship—it was love.”
A Shared Goodbye
As news spread across Macedonia, many described the double loss as a heartbreaking love story between a man and the animal he dedicated his life to. Visitors left flowers at the zoo’s entrance, and some brought drawings of giraffes in Riste’s memory.
The image of a caretaker and his giraffe passing within hours of each other has left a permanent mark on those who witnessed their journey. While the zoo may one day welcome new giraffes, Floppy’s memory will forever be tied to the man who loved him most.
Together, they showed that the connections we form—with people, with animals, with the natural world—are capable of transcending the boundaries of life and death.
And in Skopje, on that November morning, a man and a giraffe seemed to prove that some bonds are simply unbreakable.