Europe's oldest aardvark has died at the age of 32 - leaving his female mate without a partner.
Afer, who'd been living at Colchester Zoo since 2017, was sadly put to sleep last week.
The decision came after the facility's animal care team noticed he was less active than usual.
After calling in the vet, they were advised the kindest thing to do - and albeit the most difficult - would be to euthanise him.
Colchester Zoo said: 'This was a very sad day for everyone.
'Afer had a wonderful personality and will be greatly missed by the animal care team as well as many visitors who adored him.'
Born on May 7, 1991 at Royal Burgers Zoo in the Netherlands, Afer moved to Colchester six years ago.
He fathered five offspring, three of which were born in Colchester Zoo, with the help of the facility's only remaining female aardvark OQ.
He also eventually became a grandfather to two youngsters.
His three children were named Ottis, Estie and Njaa Njaa, all of which have transferred to other zoos across Europe as part of a breeding programme.
OQ is now currently the only Aardvark left at Colchester - leaving zoo keepers scrambling to try and find her a new mate.
The zoo added: 'After having one of the largest and most successful breeding groups of Aardvark in Europe, OQ is now currently the only Aardvark at Colchester Zoo.
'Since living at Colchester Zoo, OQ has had 11 offspring, all of which have transferred to zoos in Europe and the UK.
'As a result of this breeding success, OQ now has 20 grand-aardvarks.
'We hope to receive a recommendation from the European Studbook Keeper to find a mate for OQ but in the meantime, the animal care team will ensure she receives extra attention and enrichment.
'OQ also shares her home with a group of Rock Hyrax who occasionally do cuddle up with one another, so she does have company at Aardvark Burrow.'
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