A young giraffe at Safari Zoo in Dalton was euthanised due to a growth deformity.

Reports emerged earlier this year that a giraffe had died at the zoo with the reasoning confirmed by staff on Wednesday morning.

Ekundayo was one of the most popular attractions at the site but a deformity of the growth plates in his leg meant that his quality of life would no longer be sustainable, said zoo bosses.

The Mail: Ekundayo, along with Kofi, were big hits at the zooEkundayo, along with Kofi, were big hits at the zoo (Image: Safari Zoo)

A spokesperson from the zoo said: "Ekundayo stood proud behind our gates as an ambassador for the species and has sent a message to every six, 16 and 60 year old that continued walking through our doors.

"[He told them] that everyone can make a difference and this team will continue to spread the word, and with that hopefully see a decline in poaching and threats to animals in the wild."

His young age was said to have made the news even more 'devastating' for workers at the zoo - and now the visitors who will miss seeing Ekundayo.

The zoo explained: "Quality of life assessments and decisions are essential and zookeepers have a great deal of insight into behaviour of the animals they look after - how active they are, what they eat.

"Everyone had such high hopes that he’d go back outside and play with Kofi again, but the reality we ended up facing was different to what we hoped for."

The Mail: Ekundayo developed a deformity in the growth plates of his legEkundayo developed a deformity in the growth plates of his leg (Image: Safari Zoo)

Despite the condition, staff at the zoo did their best to ensure the giraffe had the best possible end to his short life.

"Those who worked closely with Ekun held onto him as he was euthanized," the spokesperson added. 

"At the end of the day sometimes all we can be is there for them at the end, as difficult as that may be.

"Rest in Peace our beautiful Ekundayo, forever loved, forever missed."