JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is mourning the loss of one of its primates, a male mandrill named Rafiki.
Rafiki, who would have been 20 years old in April, was diagnosed with advanced congestive heart failure, the zoo said.
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He was diagnosed in October, and the zoo's veterinary staff was able to extend his life by several weeks with an aggressive treatment plan.
However, the decision was made to euthanize Rafiki on Nov. 12 "when his advanced age and worsening congestive heart failure stole the quality of his life," the zoo said in a release.
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Rafiki came to the zoo in 2013, was the alpha male of the mandrill troop and fathered six offspring. The zoo said Rafiki was a "docile and gentle father."
Rafiki was deaf, had "striking blue eyes" and was very eager to accept food or participate in a training session.
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The zoo said the "future of the mandrill troop at the Zoo is bright" and that renovations are planned for the Great Apes Loop.