Como Zoo officials said Monday they were saddened to report that Ulysses, a 25-year-old plains zebra, had died overnight.

The zebra also known as “Uly” was born on April 13, 2000 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and came to Como Zoo in January 2002. Zoo officials said during his 23 years at the zoo he “became one of the most familiar and recognizable residents at Como. If you’ve visited in the last 20 years, chances are you’ve met Ulysses. He roamed between both African Hoofstock habitats and made friends with whatever species he was living with at the time, including giraffe, tortoise and ostrich. Keepers often joked that he was the ‘surrogate weird uncle’ to many giraffe calves through the years.”

He weighed around 550 pounds, enjoyed carrots and yam, and loved to nap in the sunshine. He sired 10 offspring during his lifetime, continuing his legacy beyond Como. Uly was the second oldest male plains zebra in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums population, according to Como Zoo.

Zoo officials said they are waiting to learn if there is more information about the cause of his death but that right now the focus remains on supporting one another and the animals at the zoo.

“Ulysses was part of Como for more than two decades, and his calm nature and steady presence made him a favorite among visitors and staff alike. He will be greatly missed,” zoo officials posted on the zoo website.

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