A FAMOUS giraffe that appeared on a hit Netflix show has sadly died after suffering kidney failure.
Bashu, 13, was “euthanised” on Monday after he developed a serious intestinal issue, said Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.
Bashu starred in episode three of the Netflix Heartstopper seriesNETFLIX/SEE-SAW FILMS
The characters headed to the zoo to celebrate a birthday with Bashu in the backgroundNETFLIX/SEE-SAW FILMS
A young Bashu getting measured in Whipsnade Zoo
Bashu featured in an episode of the hit Netflix series Heartstopper, when the characters headed to the zoo to celebrate the birthday of Nick Nelson – portrayed by Kit Connor.
Bashu was also fed by the cast and the zoo said he was “very well behaved during the filming, and wasn’t bothered by the rain or cameras”.
Whipsnade Zoo said it was a “difficult decision” to euthanise Bashu, who came to the zoo in 2014.
It said staff did everything they could to save the much-loved 16ft tall giraffe.
Bashu was described as a “beloved” and a “true gentle giant” by staff.
Matthew Webb, head of zoological operations, said: “Bashu was a wonderful giraffe, and much loved by staff and visitors alike.
“His legacy lives on through the five calves he fathered at Whipsnade Zoo – Timba, Myra, Wilfred, Khari and Nuru.”
Amanda Guthrie, head of wildlife services, said: “It’s truly sad to say goodbye to such an iconic animal, but we can take some solace in knowing that we did everything we could for him.”
On Monday, Bashu’s zookepeers noticed he was off his food and called the vets.
An emergency standing sedation was carried out and he was found to be bloated and uncomfortable.
These were thought to be “signs that he was contending with a serious gastrointestinal issue”.
Experts then discovered he was dehydrated and blood tests showed his kidneys were failing.
A post-mortem examination proved he had a “severe, and untreatable, intestinal issue, which would have caused his kidneys to fail”, the zoo confirmed.
Bashu sadly had to be euthanised Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
