One of the Denver Zoo's giraffes has died, officials said Tuesday.
The Denver Zoo had to say goodbye to one of its own on Thursday. According to zoo officials, Masika, a 23-year-old reticulated giraffe, died after numerous health issues had decreased her quality of life.
Fondly known as "The Princess," Masika was born at the Denver Zoo and gave birth to eight calves. She was also the aunt of Dobby, who was born at the zoo in 2017.
The zoo posted to its social media pages to share the sad news:
We are deeply saddened to announce that we bid farewell to one of our reticulated giraffes, Masika, a long-time resident. Fondly known to our keepers as 'The Princess,' Masika, will be remembered as gentle & charismatic. She will be sorely missed by staff, volunteers & guests. pic.twitter.com/CvQaHy3BVT
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) February 12, 2019
In October 2018, the Denver bid farewell to Dikembe, the longtime patriarch of the zoo's giraffe herd and father of the Dobby.