Felix, Columbus Zoo's cherished blackbelly sheep, euthanized at 14

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Barbados blackbelly sheep regarded as a cherished member of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who was the oldest documented individual of his species, has died.

Felix, a 14-year-old Barbados blackbelly sheep, was euthanized after his health rapidly declined, the Columbus Zoo announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The zoo said Felix was "truly one of a kind," with a "warm and gentle spirit that touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him."

"Always the friendliest of our sheep, Felix welcomed guests with open arms," the social media post said. "His deep 'voice' never failed to bring a smile to our faces, and his gentle nature made him a favorite among even the smallest of children."

As he got older, Felix battled severe osteoarthritis, and, despite the zoo's best efforts to manage his discomfort with medication, his condition continued to progress until it became clear they could no longer keep him comfortable. Because of that, the zoo said the difficult decision was made by his care team to have him euthanized.

"His loss leaves a significant void in our barn and in our hearts," the zoo said. "He had a way of brightening even the darkest days with his presence, and his absence will be keenly felt by all who knew him."