Twycross Zoo's baby elephant, Ganesh Vijay, has died.
The 18-month-old is understood to have been ill for several days before passing away on Wednesday. It is thought he died of a heart condition.
Staff and visitors are mourning his loss.
Zoo director Suzanne Boardman said: "We are all very sad to lose such an affectionate and endearing individual.
"We at Twycross have been incredibly grateful for the last 18 months we have had with the most delightful, playful little boy who always tried to please.
"We will always be grateful to have had this time with him and our heart goes out to Noorjahan. We will miss him.
"I am incredibly proud of the elephant keepers and the veterinary team who cared so well for him throughout."
Ganesh was one of Twycross' family of five elephants. He was only the third elephant born at the zoo, and the first to be conceived by artificial insemination.
When he was born, Ganesh Vijay suffered from epileptic fits. It needed five weeks of care from zoo staff and his mother, Noorjahan.
He survived the rocky start, and when he was 10 weeks old he was blessed by a Hindu priest, who prayed for him to have good health and a long life.
Expert elephant vets were called in after his most recent illness, but he died despite their efforts.
Curator Neil Dorman said the rest of the elephants seemed subdued since Ganesh's death.
He said: "It is such a shame. It came on really quickly – he just became ill and died from a heart condition on Wednesday.
"Obviously, we are going to have a post-mortem examination so we should know more after that.
"Elephants are very sociable. They live in very strong, bonded herds. It is difficult to interpret how, exactly, they are feeling. Obviously, it is a major loss from the herd and a notable absence, so they are pretty quiet."
Mr Dorman said Ganesh was with his mother when he died and his body was left with her for some time afterwards.
"When animals die in the wild they don't just suddenly vanish," he said. "The herd members spend time with him and they accept they have died.
"It is an important part of the grieving process."
He said Ganesh had been loved by visitors young and old. Leicester Mercury readers were able to watch his antics on a webcam, which could be viewed on our website.
Visitors were also sad to hear of the loss.
Mum-of-three Cori McGregor-Devlin, of Burbage, said: "It's very sad. The kids all loved to see him and it will be very sad for the zoo keepers who have watched him grow."
Danielle Millerchip, 17, of Hinckley, said: "It's really sad. I thought he was cute and sweet."
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