The deformity was not present when she was born, in the San Diego Wild Animal Park, but first became noticeable when she was three years old.

[1][2] She showed no signs of a neck deformity at birth and was moved to the Santa Barbara Zoo when she was approximately one year old.

[2] X-rays of Gemina's neck showed that her vertebrae had fused together, but scientists, zoologists and veterinarians could find no explanation for the deformity.

However, tests found no sign of injury at the time, and there is no evidence that the accident caused the neck deformity.

[2] In December 2007 and January 2008, Gemina stopped eating and her health began to deteriorate due to old age.