One of Folly Farm’s longest friends has sadly passed away.

19-feet high Zulu the giraffe who arrived at the park in 2009 from Flamingo Land in Yorkshire to take up residence with his half-brothers Rafiki, Ja Ja, Taharqa and Kharma.

“It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Zulu, one of our giraffe herd,” said zoo curator at Folly Farm, Tim Morphew.

“We know you’ll all join us in sharing your condolences with our giraffe keepers, zoo keeping team and wider Folly Farm family who’re feeling this immense loss to our zoo.

“Zulu joined Folly Farm in 2009 when we first brought giraffes to Pembrokeshire, a significant moment in the development of our zoo. He was the dominant male and the tallest of our herd and hugely popular with our visitors and the whole team. He was 15 years old.

“He was a real character and was truly a gentle giant. Sleep tight, big man.

“Zulu received a severe injury to his eye which, on the recommendation of our veterinary partners, required medical attention under anaesthetic. As with humans, general anaesthetic always carries a risk and this risk is significantly higher with giraffes. Anaesthetising Zulu was our last resort but unavoidable and unfortunately Zulu did not fully recover from the surgery.”