The Phoenix Zoo announced the death of its 28-year-old anteater, believed to be the oldest one in the United States, on Tuesday.
"Recently, Ebenezer's health declined significantly, so the decision was made to humanely euthanize him," the Zoo wrote in a Facebook post.
According to the post, Ebenezer, also known as "Eb" or "Squeezer," fathered 12 offspring, 31 grand-offspring and has 118 descendants.
He enjoyed sniffing and sticking his tongue inside his keeper's pockets and ears, the zoo said in the post, and liked avocado as a special treat.
"He was such a sweet boy, and all of his caretakers will forever have a special place in their heart for him," the zoo wrote.
You can read the Zoo's entire Facebook post below:
In March, the Zoo added LouLou, a 20-year-old female Southern white rhinoceros from the San Diego Safari Park.
In May, the Zoo announced the death of Rizarro, its 28-year-old male Andean bear.
