POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of a 22-year-old giraffe.
According to a Facebook post from the zoo, Shaggy started showing signs of lethargy over the weekend. A health team started medical treatments and he did not show any improvements.
An emergency procedure was scheduled and he was anesthetized for a more thorough examination. The medical team found significant disease and the giraffe suffered an injury during the examination, according to the zoo. Under these circumstances, the zoo said they made the decision to euthanize Shaggy.
Shaggy was one of the original giraffes at the zoo's Heart of Africa region, where he arrived in 2013. He came from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado.
Reticulated giraffes like Shaggy are currently listed as endangered.
The zoo described Shaggy as a unique personality who captured the hearts of many.
"He had a penchant for scratching his legs on piles of logs and sticks, always placing one foot in the middle, and Zoo visitors will know that he was famously discerning about the lettuce he consumed when being fed by guests and volunteers, favoring only the greenest Romaine leaves."
The zoo concluded by saying Shaggy will always hold a special place in their hearts and the giraffe barn will not be the same without him.
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