For a giraffe, he lived a long and well-cared for existence.
At aged 16, he was considered geriatric, explained Dr. Julie Barnes, Vice President of Animal Care & Health of the Santa Barbara Zoo.
"He was gentle giant, he was huge but had a gentle nature about him," she said.
Barnes said that up-close "it was difficult to not be in awe of these magnificent animals," which visitors often had the opportunity to do during feeding times.
Michael was battling painful arthritis. Keepers and veterinary staff were closely monitoring and treating Michael’s age-related health issues for nearly a year, explained Barnes.
In recent weeks, she said, despite their best efforts, the team saw a significant decline in his quality of life and made the difficult decision for him to be humanely euthanized on Wednesday.
"We are sad to lose him because everyone loved him so dearly," said Barnes.
She said it was also important to celebrate his life, as Michael had sired 11 calves – the youngest of which was born in January last year and resides at the zoo.
"He contributed greatly to the Masai Giraffe population which is now endangered in the wild," she said.
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s Masai giraffe herd now numbers three: Adia, Audrey, and Raymie, who was born in 2022.
