April the Giraffe has died, according to a statement from New York’s Animal Adventure Park. She was 20.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that Animal Adventure Park announces the tremendous loss of our beloved April the Giraffe,” the statement to E! News reads. “Euthanasia was carried out at April’s home in Harpursville this morning, due to her worsening arthritis, in accordance with the recommendations of her veterinary team. We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe that can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the 21st century.”
April rose to fame in February 2017, when her home Animal Adventure Park—which provides interactive and educational experiences with all kinds of creatures—livestreamed her pregnancy with her fourth calf for the world to enjoy. Fans became enamored with the sweet giraffe, and checked in on April as she canoodled with her partner Oliver in the pen next door, enjoyed feeding time and took midday naps. In fact, April’s livestreams were so popular, people speculated they were all a part of an elaborate animal hoax.
It wasn’t. April finally gave birth to her (150 pound!) calf, Tajiri, in April, with over 1 million people watching.
