Coby, a cheetah ambassador dog at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, has died.
The Ohio zoo announced that the 8-year-old yellow Labrador retriever was "humanely" euthanized on Dec. 30 "after his health significantly declined." The pup had suffered from chronic arthritis in his neck and secondary spinal cord compression.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of beloved cheetah ambassador dog, Coby," the zoo said in Thursday's statement. The facility later added, "Unfortunately, Coby's neck lesions destabilized over the past couple of weeks, resulting in severe neurological signs."
Coby first arrived at the Columbus Zoo as a puppy in 2013. He was eventually dubbed the zoo's cheetah ambassador dog after helping keepers raise two cheetahs named Bibi and Zemba.
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A recent MRI conducted on Coby at Ohio State University, which was involved in the care and treatment of his condition, determined that "the prognosis for corrective surgery was poor" and that the dog had "a low chance" of walking "normally" and "without pain" again.
Ultimately, the zoo's animal programs and health staff "made the difficult decision" to euthanize him shortly before the new year.
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"Coby was a joy for our Animal Programs staff and everyone he came into contact with over the past 8 years," zoo officials on Thursday. "His playful and calm demeanor made him one of the best baby-raising helpers in Animal Programs, where he helped socialize otters, warthogs, foxes, and many others."
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Zoo officials also lauded Coby's "phenomenal" ability to connect with guests, who he "loved to greet" everywhere he went. "Coby made everyone feel special," they said.
"Coby was a pillar of our Animal Programs department and a treasured member of our Zoo family," zoo officials added. "Though we are devastated, we are confident he has found a sunny spot across the rainbow bridge, napping happily and keeping an eye on his loved ones."
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In addition to his work with cheetahs, Coby was known as "the go-to canine companion" to comfort new baby zoo animals and animals that had recently undergone surgery.
Zoo officials aid Coby also played a "pivotal" role in mentoring fellow companion dogs Cash and Cullen, "with whom he spent hours playing and dozing" during his life.
"Please keep our Animal Programs team in your thoughts," zoo officials added.