What's Happening to Michael Jackson's Giraffes?

Two animals have died and PETA wants two others confiscated from their present home in Arizona

Trouble for Michael Jackson's scattered menagerie.

Two of the giraffes who once made their home at Neverland Ranch have died within the last few months, and PETA is calling on authorities to confiscate two others from the duo who took possession of the animals as part of a plan to build a 175-acre wildlife preserve in Page, Ariz.

Freddie and Tom Hancock leased the land in 2008 but, according to reports, have never posted a required $100,000 bond or notice of credit and the city has started eviction proceedings.

Meanwhile, there are those poor, dead giraffes.

"We're asking the city of Page to confiscate the two remaining giraffes and relocate them to a facility that can provide them with appropriate care before it's too late," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, concerned that the long-necked creatures died of neglect or abuse, said in a statement Wednesday.

Local police are investigating the deaths, noting that though they died within a relatively short time period—one on Nov. 20 and the other on Jan. 2—foul play is not suspected at this time.

Necropsy (autopsies for animals) results are pending, and Page Police Chief Charlie Dennis told the Associated Press that there's no justification for removing the other giraffes at this time.

"We've had them for 3½ years, and they are like our children," Freddie Hancock told Salt Lake City's KSL-TV. "We're just absolutely devastated by the death of these giraffes."

The Hancocks also acquired a variety of Jackson's exotic birds, including his Amazon parrot, Rikki; snakes, including pythons and anacondas; and his crocodile-resembling caiman.