COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Tuesday that it had to say goodbye to its beloved warthog, Randall Patrick. 

The zoo said his health decline began about a year ago when he was diagnosed with malabsorptive disease, which caused him to lose weight despite a normal diet. 

Although for a little while, Randall had shown improvement by gaining weight. But more recently, his caretakers noticed a subtle change in his demeanor.

Despite multiple efforts and treatment, the zoo decided to humanely euthanize him. 

"Randall brought joy to countless hearts as he engaged in training sessions with his devoted keepers and eagerly accepted biscuits from guests on Cheetah Encounter tours," the zoo wrote on Facebook. "His legacy lives on through the numerous piglets he sired, now living across the country, carrying with them the playful spirit of their beloved father."

He was known for his playful antics, using his head to toss barrels and turn over rocks. Despite his actions, the zoo said he had a "dainty soul." He preferred brussels sprouts over grass and hand-woven beds over piles of straw. 

"Randall was a gentle soul with a heart as big as his stomach," the zoo said.