'He was adored': Zoo mourns death of beloved giraffe, Hummer

Hummer the giraffe with National Zoo founder and owner Richard Tindale in 2018. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved animals, following the death of one of its giraffes, Hummer.

Hummer died at age 20 due to old age, the zoo said in a statement to its members on Sunday.

"As he approached his life expectancy, Hummer was in good health for his age and his passing involved no suffering," the statement said.

"We take heart in the fact that he lived a long, happy life, whilst receiving the best possible care and love from all our dedicated staff, members and visitors."

Hummer was the zoo's oldest giraffe, with his family tree showing an average life expectancy of 21.

He arrived in Canberra from Adelaide's Monarto Zoo in 2004.

Hummer the giraffe, just after his arrival at the National Zoo in 2004. Picture: Graham Tidy

While his full name was Humbekhali, he soon acquired a new name thanks to his trip to the capital.

"As the back-up vehicle that accompanied him on his road trip was the zoo's Hummer, he was known by that name for 18 years," the zoo's statement said.

"Hummer was a fantastic ambassador for his species, educating and inspiring the public of the plight of wild giraffe and the challenges they face.

"He was adored by his keepers, guides and all zoo staff, as well as by hundreds of thousands of visitors and members."

Typically, giraffes kept in captivity live between 20 and 25 years.

Hummer stood at more than 5.5 metres tall and weighed about 1300 kilograms, and keepers at the zoo said he had plenty of personality.

Hummer (right) shared his enclosure with giraffe Skye (left)

"Hummer, he's quite strong-headed, he can have a bit of an attitude with people when he wants to," senior wildlife keeper at the zoo Katie Ness told The Canberra Times in 2020, when Hummer marked his 19^th birthday.

"Us, as his keepers, he's usually pretty good with, but he can have a bit of an attitude with some of the guides and stuff that have to also do feeds with him."

Hummer never sired any baby giraffes, but did share his enclosure with younger giraffe Skye, who arrived at the National Zoo in early 2020.

The zoo said plans were being made to arrange a new companion for Skye.

"In the meantime, [Skye] will be doted on by staff, visitors and the guests of Jamala Wildlife Lodge," the zoo said.