The Racine Zoo has announced the death of one of its most beloved inhabitants, Mac the Masai giraffe, who was humanely euthanized on Tuesday due to age-related health complications. The towering animal, a fixture and fan favorite at the zoo for 16 years, was 19 years old at his passing, as the Journal Sentinel reported.

Mac had been battling a range of health issues common in elderly giraffes, notably arthritis, and despite the veterinary staff's best efforts to manage his conditions with treatments such as hoof care, laser therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, his quality of life continued to decline as evidenced by FOX6Now, his afflictions were indeed a factor in the decision to euthanize him, a decision reached when it became abundantly clear that the available treatment options had been thoroughly exhausted.

The loss of Mac follows closely after the zoo mourned the death of Yule, a male white-handed gibbon, on October 22, adding to what has been a somber period for the community. According to the zoo's statement, Mac was admired for his gentle demeanor and capacity to enchant visitors, with his tenure at the zoo commencing in 2008, well surpassing the species' average lifespan as CBS 58 highlighted.

Mac's long-standing presence at the Racine Zoo not only provided joy and education to visitors but also played a vital role in the institution's commitment to conservation and understanding of giraffe species; "Racine Zoo is profoundly saddened to announce the passing of Mac, the Masai giraffe," as mentioned in the zoo’s statement obtained by the Journal Sentinel.