Tadgh the giraffe from Fota Wildlife Park has passed away

Tadgh the giraffe from Fota Wildlife Park has sadly passed away.

The Cork park announced the death of one of their oldest giraffes today. Tadgh was found this morning by staff in the zoo. It is believed that he died of a heart attack. RTÉ reports that Tadgh was a 16-year-old Rothschild giraffe - an endangered subspecies of giraffe that usually lives for 20 years. Tadgh fathered 23 calves since his arrival in Cork 14 years ago. He is also the "grandfather" of 17 more giraffes living in zoos in Dublin, Belfast, and the UK. Fota Wildlife Park Director Sean McKeown has said that Tadgh was a "gentle" and easy-going creature who was much loved by members of staff. Feature image via Fota Wildlife Facebook.