ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The Albuquerque Bio Park is mourning a fan favorite animal. Buccaneer the Giraffe died at the age of 22. He first entered the park back in 2006 and snuck into the hearts of thousands of guests.

The park saying that Bucc was one of the most people-friendly animals.

He recently developed arthritis and park staff noticed his medication wasn't reliving his pain. With the impending winter on its way, the BioPark humanely euthanized Bucc.

He fathered eleven calves and lived longer than the average Reticulated giraffes which are an endangered species. The announcement was made on Thursday, Sept. 25.

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