PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo is mourning the loss of one of their Percheron/Belgian draft horses.
20-year-old Pete died at the zoo's Thunderbird Equine Facility.
Pete and his half-brother Jake came to the zoo to help pull their wagon during ZooLights and other special events, according to the zoo.
Zoo officials described Pete as a "gentle giant" with a "laid-back attitude and calm personality." He loved kids and was often used for pony rides.
The zoo says draft horses have an average life span of 15-20 years.
Earlier this year the Phoenix Zoo also announced the loss of Rio, a 26-year-old Andean bear who came to the zoo in 1996.
