Buccaneer, a 22-year-old reticulated giraffe who charmed millions of visitors at the ABQ BioPark over nearly two decades, was euthanized Thursday due to declining mobility from arthritis, zoo officials announced.
The giraffe, affectionately known as “Bucc,” was the third-oldest male giraffe in any Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility and lived well beyond the median life expectancy of 16.5 years for his species, according to BioPark assistant animal curator Casey Taylor.
“Since then, he has charmed his way into the hearts of countless guests and was highly regarded by his caretakers,” Taylor said in a statement. “He will be deeply missed by all who cared for him.”
Buccaneer arrived at the Albuquerque zoo in 2006 as a 3-year-old and became an important contributor to conservation efforts for reticulated giraffes, which are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The giraffe fathered 11 calves during his lifetime, including five with June, another longtime member of the BioPark’s giraffe herd. His offspring helped diversify the genetics of reticulated giraffes in zoos across the country, Taylor said.
Despite receiving specialized care including medication, dietary adjustments, sand piles, rubber mats and softer bedding to manage his arthritis, Buccaneer’s condition had recently worsened. Zoo veterinarians determined his mobility was decreasing and that approaching colder temperatures would likely exacerbate his condition.
Taylor described Buccaneer as the most people-oriented giraffe in the zoo’s herd, noting his curiosity about visitors and staff.
“Bucc was so welcoming to new people and new keepers, too,” Taylor said. “He always acted like a new person was the BEST person. It always made new people fall in love with him so easily.”