Pickles, the only and beloved ostrich of Como Zoo, was euthanized on Thursday. She was 14.

Pickles (Courtesy of Como Zoo)

She was the zoo’s last remaining ostrich after two others, Brie and Gouda, moved on to a yet-to-be named facility in October to be paired with a male, according to a zoo spokesperson.

It was unknown on Tuesday if the zoo plans to welcome new ostriches in the future.

The decision to euthanize Pickles, announced by Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in a Facebook post on Friday, came in the wake of a sudden health problem.

“About a month ago, Pickles developed a severe limp with no known cause,” the zoo reported. “Despite extensive veterinary care and treatment efforts to keep her comfortable, her mobility declined and her overall quality of life began to diminish. After thoughtful discussion and careful evaluation, our team made the incredibly difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent further discomfort. Necropsy results are pending.”

Pickles, born on a farm in Iowa in 2011, had called Como Zoo, part of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, home since 2012.

Jill, senior zookeeper, offered an online eulogy as part of the announcement of Pickles’ passing:

“Pickles lived a full life,” she said. “She arrived at Como Zoo in 2012 where she was introduced to Olive, her partner in crime for 10 years. During the summers, she cohabitated with the giraffes and occasionally Ulysses, our male zebra. She would meander the habitat, often saying hello to the giraffe calves, picking through piles of leaf litter, or playing with Ulysses’ tail.”

“She would knock on the window or stop and stare at her beautiful reflection for a while. She loved to sit under the sprinkler, especially on warm days. In the winter, she spent her days watching — and maybe judging — the visitors while exploring her world. Pickles had a calm presence in the barn, was always curious about what we were doing, and had an affinity for musical enrichment like her jingle bells.

“Pickles was a fantastic ambassador for large dinosaurs — oops, I mean ostriches — everywhere. She was curious and engaging with the public and her zookeepers alike. The barn doesn’t feel or sound the same without her. I’ll miss her crazy hairdo and the way she always looked like she was up to no good.

“I’ll especially miss the relationship between Zookeeper Tami and Pickles. They had a wonderful bond, and my heart goes out to Tami for the loss of such a special animal.”

In her last moments, the zoo says, Pickles was surrounded by her devoted animal care team.

Pickles will be missed by visitors as well as staff, who left more than 200 comments about her in reaction to the news about her passing, including:

“We love Pickles! My 2 year old just told me he wants to eat a pickle for Pickles when I told him the news. From a toddler, I couldn’t imagine a better way to honor her.”

“Oh no! That’s sad. She is on our holiday card! We loved watching her playing with her bell.”

“Rest in peace, Pickles. During our encounters, you seemed to enjoy my presence.. I always told you how pretty you were and I think you appreciated that.”

Read more comments about Pickles on the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ComoZooConservatory.