CLEVELAND — Bo, the 17-year-old Masai giraffe who called the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo home for the last four years has died, the zoo announced. 

Bo was euthanized by zoo veterinarians Wednesday evening, the zoo said. Bo had a rapid decline in health following a long-term illness. 

He was the oldest living giraffe at the zoo prior to his death. The zoo is performing a necropsy to better understand his health issues. 

The zoo called Bo a “fan favorite” as the 17-foot-tall giraffe had the ability to reach well over the railing and interact with visitors. The zoo said in 2018 that Bo weighed 2,600 pounds. 

In October 2020, Bo fathered Kendi with mom Jhasmin. Kendi weighed 150 pounds at the time of birth.