It’s difficult to say goodbye to someone who brought only joy – and anyone who has ever known an otter cannot help but know joy.

Earlier this week, it became apparent that our male giant otter, Bakairi, showed signs of not feeling well, as well as decreased appetite. He was anesthetized for a veterinary exam, and the Veterinary Team discovered that Bakairi was in end-stage kidney failure. Given his poor prognosis – and hoping to avoid discomfort for what may only have been a matter of weeks left to him – our teams made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize him on August 6. Bakairi’s habitat mate, his aunt Tocantins (or “Toca” to most of us) had an opportunity to say goodbye. We’ll miss Bakairi’s loud voice – audible throughout the lower Zoo! – and his equally larger-than-life personality that not only kept our Members and guests enthralled when they saw him, but which also introduced countless people to his critically endangered species – the world’s largest otter species and native to the Amazon. “Bakairi came to Zoo Atlanta 12 years ago and let all who were near his habitat know when he was hungry,” recalls Adrianna R., Carnivore Keeper. “His unforgettable voice will be missed sorely … watching him throughout his life was a privilege the whole team will never forget.” Our thoughts and hearts are with his care team, who knew him best and who are navigating the loss of a friend.