A FAMOUS giraffe that appeared on a hit Netflix show has sadly died after suffering kidney failure.
Bashu, 13, was “euthanised” on Monday after he developed a serious intestinal issue, said Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.
Bashu featured in an episode of the hit Netflix series Heartstopper, when the characters headed to the zoo to celebrate the birthday of Nick Nelson, played by Kit Connor.
Bashu was also fed by the cast and the zoo said he was “very well behaved during the filming, and wasn’t bothered by the rain or cameras”.
Whipsnade Zoo said it was a “difficult decision” to euthanise Bashu.
It said staff did everything they could to save the much-loved 16ft tall giraffe.
Bashu was described as a “beloved” and a “true gentle giant” who came to the zoo in 2014.
Matthew Webb, head of zoological operations, said: “Bashu was a wonderful giraffe, and much loved by staff and visitors alike.
“His legacy lives on through the five calves he fathered at Whipsnade Zoo – Timba, Myra, Wilfred, Khari and Nuru.”
Amanda Guthrie, head of wildlife services, said: “It’s truly sad to say goodbye to such an iconic animal, but we can take some solace in knowing that we did everything we could for him.”
A post-mortem examination proved he had a “severe, and untreatable, intestinal issue, which would have caused his kidneys to fail”, the zoo confirmed.
