On November 26, 2023, at the Skopje Zoo in Macedonia, beloved giraffe caretaker Riste Trajkovski passed away unexpectedly in the early morning.

Just a few hours later, the zoo’s last giraffe, Floppy, also died. According to Bored Panda, Riste had cared for Floppy for over 10 years, and their bond was well known among zoo visitors and staff.

The cause of Riste’s death was believed to be heart-related, while Floppy’s passing came despite the staff’s best efforts to save him. The timing of their deaths stunned the community and was seen by many as a heartbreaking reflection of their deep connection. As shared by photographer Goran Anastasovski, who documented their relationship, Riste spent more time with the giraffes than with people, and his gentle care left a lasting impression.