Afer – Europe’s oldest aardvark and father of 5 – is dead. He was 32 years old.
A resident of Colchester Zoo was euthanized last week after the English facility’s animal care team noticed he was less lively than usual. Blood tests were carried out and a veterinarian was consulted before making the “difficult but kindest decision”.
“It was a really sad day for everybody,” a spokesman for Colchester Zoo said statement obtained by SWNS. “Afer had an exquisite personality and shall be greatly missed by the animal care team and the various visitors who adored him.”
Born on May 7, 1991 at the Royal Burgers Zoo within the Netherlands, Afer moved to Colchester in 2017.
He fathered five, including three born at Colchester Zoo with the assistance of OQ’s partner.
Three of their offspring – Ottis, Estie and Njaa Njaa – have been transferred to other European zoos as a part of a breeding program.
Afer eventually became the grandfather of two children.
For his part, OQ had 11 offspring at Colchester that moved to other zoos.
OQ also has 20 great aardvarks.
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She is now the one aardvark left in Colchester, causing zoo keepers to struggle to search out her a mate.
“We’re hoping to get a advice from the European Studbook Keeper to search out a mate for OQ, but within the meantime, the animal welfare team will give her some extra attention and enrichment,” said a representative from Colchester Zoo.
“OQ also shares his home with a bunch of rock hyraxes who occasionally cuddle up, so he has company at Aardvark Burrow.”
Aardvarks are small, pig-like nocturnal animals known for his or her long, sticky tongues. They typically live as much as 23 years in captivity and gained popularity with the PBS kid’s show “Arthur”.
Last yr, the San Diego Zoo announced the primary birth of an aardvark in nearly 4 many years.