Afer was sadly put to sleep (Image: Colchester Zoo/SWNS)
Europe’s oldest aardvark has died on the age of 32 – leaving his feminine mate with no accomplice.
Afer, who’d been residing at Colchester Zoo since 2017, was sadly put to sleep final week.
The choice got here after the power’s animal care workforce seen he was much less lively than typical.
After calling within the vet, they have been suggested the kindest factor to do – and albeit probably the most tough – could be to euthanise him.
Colchester Zoo stated: ‘This was a really unhappy day for everybody.
‘Afer had a beautiful persona and can be tremendously missed by the animal care workforce in addition to many guests who adored him.’
Born on Might 7, 1991 at Royal Burgers Zoo within the Netherlands, Afer moved to Colchester six years in the past.
He fathered 5 offspring, three of which have been born in Colchester Zoo, with the assistance of the power’s solely remaining feminine aardvark OQ.
He fathered 5 youngsters (Image: Colchester Zoo/SWNS)
He additionally ultimately grew to become a grandfather to 2 children.
His three youngsters have been named Ottis, Estie and Njaa Njaa, all of which have transferred to different zoos throughout Europe as a part of a breeding programme.
OQ is now presently the one Aardvark left at Colchester – leaving zoo keepers scrambling to attempt to discover her a brand new mate.
The zoo added: ‘After having one of many largest and most profitable breeding teams of Aardvark in Europe, OQ is now presently the one Aardvark at Colchester Zoo.
‘Since residing at Colchester Zoo, OQ has had 11 offspring, all of which have transferred to zoos in Europe and the UK.
‘On account of this breeding success, OQ now has 20 grand-aardvarks.
‘We hope to obtain a advice from the European Studbook Keeper to discover a mate for OQ however within the meantime, the animal care workforce will guarantee she receives additional consideration and enrichment.
‘OQ additionally shares her house with a gaggle of Rock Hyrax who often do cuddle up with each other, so she does have firm at Aardvark Burrow.’
Get in contact with our information workforce by emailing us at [email protected].
For extra tales like this, test our information web page.