Masamba had just celebrated his 23rd birthday two weeks ago. Photo: Facebook / Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton Zoo has announced the death of one of its giraffes.
Masamba had just celebrated his 23rd birthday, but had been in declining in health, the zoo said in a social media post on Friday.
"Unfortunately, no amount of love and care could have changed the inevitable outcome, but the outcome is still heartfelt and deeply tragic for us here at the zoo.
"Today we acted on the heartbreaking but humane decision to assist his passing."
The zoo said they were deeply saddened by the event, having spent years caring for and loving him.
"Masamba was an incredible soul who taught us so much. Today, we say farewell, holding close every memory and every moment he shared with us," the post said.
Just two weeks ago, the zoo celebrated his 23rd birthday, which is considered very elderly for a giraffe.
It said at the time he was slowing down and "every day was precious".
Masamba's death comes just a day after New Zealand's last subantartic fur seal named Ōrua was euthanised.
Auckland Zoo announced its 20-year-old seal named Ōrua's passing on Thursday.
Ōrua was the last remaining seal in New Zealand and was close to the maximum lifespan for his species and had health conditions, including "significant visual impairment".
His habitat was also deteriorating and could no longer maintain the "quality environment" Ōrua needed for his health and welfare needs.
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