After passing away, Europe's oldest aardvark will be "greatly missed," according to a zoo.
A veterinarian was called on June 3 after Colchester Zoo's animal care staff noticed Afer had been acting less energetically lately. .
After the 32-year-old's blood test results and welfare were taken into account, he was put to death.
The father of five passed away on June 8, the Essex Zoo announced on its website.
Aardvarks are nocturnal animals that live in Africa's savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, and bushlands.
Afer, who arrived in 2017 at Colchester Zoo, was born on May 7, 1991, at Royal Burgers Zoo in the Netherlands.
Three of his five children, Ottis, Estie, and Njaa Njaa, were born in Colchester and have since been relocated as part of a breeding program to other zoos in Europe.
OQ, who gave birth to them all, is the only remaining aardvark at Colchester Zoo, and staff members promised her "extra attention and enrichment.".
According to Colchester Zoo, "This was a very sad day for everyone. Afer had a wonderful personality and will be greatly missed by the animal care team as well as many visitors who adored him."
