A male giraffe from Chester Zoo has died.

Doto, a 13-year-old male, died at the Upton zoo yesterday (Thursday, January 17).

A spokesperson from the zoo said: “It is with great sadness we have to tell you of the death of our magnificent male giraffe Doto.

“Doto was being treated for a virus after falling ill last week. Both the giraffe and veterinary teams have worked tirelessly to help him but unfortunately Doto died yesterday evening.

“Doto, who was 13, had only been at the zoo since June last year after arriving from Longleat. We will be carrying out a postmortem to determine the cause of Doto's death.

“The rest of the giraffe herd are well.”

Tim Rowlands, curator of mammals, said: "Since his arrival Doto had proved to be a great addition to the herd so everyone is naturally very saddened by this turn of events. Doto had been treated with antibiotics over the last week but unfortunately all efforts to help him proved to be in vain. This is a very sad day for all concerned.”