Racine Zoo announces the passing of Mac the giraffe

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Racine Zoo announced the passing of Mac, the Masai giraffe on Thursday, Nov. 7. 

Mac Racine Zoo

The zoo says Mac's passing was a result of age-related health issues, including arthritis, which is very common in older male giraffes. The zoo said he was closely monitored as his age increased and modified his supportive care as the disease progressed. 

His condition worsened this past summer, and the zoo made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him on Nov. 5th, as treatment options were exhausted, according to the zoo. 

Mac turned 19 in August. He arrived at the zoo in 2008 and spent 16 years charming guests at the zoo. The zoo says he surpassed the average life expectancy of male Masai giraffes.