Auckland Zoo is mourning the loss of Snorkel, a hippopotamus born there 50 years ago.
Snorkel's health dramatically declined over the last three weeks and a decision was made on Thursday night by vet staff and keepers to euthanise the animal.
Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says that while it was a tough decision to put her down, it was the only humane option.
Snorkel was born at Auckland Zoo. Mr Wilcken says that given the average life span of a hippo in captivity is about 40 years, she had a great innings.