JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Staff at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens humanely euthanized Spock, the zoo's 22-year-old giraffe Monday. Spock was a descendent of the first giraffe to live at the zoo, making her a second-generation resident.
Spock never had any offspring, but was an "auntie" to 22 giraffe calves since her birth in 2001.
She had health concerns related to her age that were carefully managed by the staff for years, according to a post on the zoo's Facebook page. Staff made the difficult condition to euthanize her due to these issues, which included advanced arthritis.
According to the Facebook post, she was a "gentle, intelligent giraffe with a larger-than-life personality."
"Spock was an amazing ambassador for her species and our community. She inspired countless guests over the years who had the opportunity to meet her and learn about her wild counterparts. Her loss will be felt deeply by many," the post said.
Spock is pictured as a baby below.
