Auckland Zoo's beloved male giraffe Zabulu dies

Zabulu was 19 years old. Photo / Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo's elderly male giraffe Zabulu has had to be euthanised.

The Zoo says the much loved giraffe had been unwell for a week and his condition rapidly deteriorated yesterday.

We are extremely sad to share with you that our much-loved elderly male giraffe Zabulu had to be euthanised earlier...

Posted by Auckland Zoo on Tuesday, 18 April 2017

Despite great effort, the zoo says Zabulu's quality of life could not be maintained, making euthanasia the kindest, and only option.

It says the 19 year old was an iconic and gentle giant who fathered 15 giraffe calves and won thousands of zoo visitors' hearts, one carrot or piece of celery at a time.

Sola Rosa feed Zabulu carrots back in 2010. Photo / Auckland Zoo