He had lived at the wildlife park for over 20 years
Cillian sadly passed away due to age-related complications.(Image: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve)
Zoo keepers and visitors have been left heartbroken by the death of an “outgoing and cheeky” giraffe who lived at a Kent wildlife park for more than two decades. The team at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, near Hythe, announced this week that gentle giant Cillian passed away as a result of age-related complications.
The 22-year-old giraffe lived on the reserve’s African Experience and is described as a “staple” of Port Lympne. Sharing the sad news, a spokesperson for the wildlife park said: “Cillian was a strong and outgoing character but by nature was gentle with everyone around him.
“Giraffes are quiet creatures rarely making noise audible to us humans and yet his presence was loud and lit up the room. He was confident and cheeky with his keepers.
“The corridor of the giraffe house feels quiet and empty without him towering over begging for treats, knowing we loved to spoil him. He was a staple member of the tower here at Port Lympne Reserve and his loss is felt by both his keepers and his fellow giraffe.
“He was a fierce friend to them all.” The team added that Cillian had a “lovely bond” with the reserve’s resident female Lehana and the pair were often seen exploring the paddock together or indoors browsing on the same branch.
Cillian, reported to have been among the oldest giraffes living in the UK, was said to be protective over fellow Port Lympne resident Sebastian, who also sadly died earlier this year. The spokesperson added: “Known affectionately to us as ‘the old boys’ they were a dynamic duo and one was never far from the other; we take comfort in knowing they had a beautiful and fulfilled life together and we know they are now resting with each other.
“The African Experience keepers are once again heartbroken by this loss and Cillian will be missed tremendously. We feel honoured to have played a role in his wonderful life.”
News of Cillian’s passing has been met with an outpouring of sadness and fond memories from previous visitors. One commenter said: “I loved Cillian! (Well all of them!) But he was such a golden oldie, I was hoping to see him again! Stayed at Giraffe Lodge a few times and adored seeing them all.”
Another reminisced: “Sleep well beautiful boy. We met you once at a feeding experience and you were an amazing creature.”
Recently, Port Lympne welcomed a tiny new arrival with the birth of an adorable baby Javan gibbon. Lima was born on Valentine’s Day and the wildlife park has not long shared the first official pictures and videos of its newest primate resident.
Find full details on Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve by visiting the website here.
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