A Florida zoo is mourning the loss of one of its visitors’ favorite residents.
Rafiki — a 25-year-old giraffe — was humanely euthanized Sunday “following ongoing health issues related to aging” at the Brevard Zoo, officials announced Tuesday on the zoo’s website.
The animal, which had arthritis, was one of the first five giraffes in the habitat when Expedition Africa Zoo opened in 2003.
“Rafiki was the first animal to arrive at the zoo for Africa, and he emerged from the trailer ready to make his mark by winning the hearts of everyone he encountered,” Jon Brangan, deputy director of the Brevard Zoo, said in a statement. “His magnetic personality never wavered, bringing joy to our staff, volunteers and thousands of visiting guests for nearly 20 years. He will be greatly missed by our zoo family and the entire community.”
The zoo also shared that they recently started hospice care for Rafiki and increased his pain medication, but his “condition and quality of life deteriorated over the weekend.”
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“We have decided that euthanasia is the most compassionate choice for him,” a blog on the zoo’s website says. “Rafiki was surrounded by some animal care staff who cared for him and loved him over the years.”
Adding that the zoo was “heartbroken” by the loss of Rafiki, the post continued: “We ask that you please remember our staff and volunteers at this time. While this is a difficult loss for our Zoo family, we are aware of how much Rafiki meant to you and the rest of our community .”
“On Tuesday, September 12, a memorial area will be available at the entrance to the Zoo. Share with us a special memory you have, bring your favorite photo of him or write us a message.”
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Zoo officials described Rafiki’s age as “exceptional,” with the average lifespan of a male giraffe about 15.9 years.
“His long life with us is a testament to the innovative care provided by our veterinary staff and his keepers,” the post said.
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The zoo added that Rafiki’s legacy will live on through his two-year-old son Mapenzi, who will become the zoo’s new breeding male giraffe.
“There is no doubt that his legacy will live on, in his descendants, in our keepers, in our guests and volunteers, and in the incredible care we provide to all of our animals,” Africa Platform Area Supervisor Alyssa Simon said in a statement. “We will miss him dearly.”
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