The Baton Rouge Zoo has announced that Burreaux, the 1-year-old giraffe, has died, according to KATC.

Burreaux, who was almost 2, made a splash 20 months ago when he was born at the Baton Rouge Zoo: he was the first giraffe successfully born there in almost 20 years (according to WAFB).

A public fundraising vote was held to name the tyke, with all monies going to the Baton Rouge Zoo.

Burreaux was the winning name as it was a take on the last name of a quarterback for the Louisiana State University football team who won the Heisman Trophy, Joe (not a Cajun) Burrow.

According to the story from KATC, Burreaux began to experience a "severe cough" and "overall agitation" on Tuesday. The zoo veterinarians were able to stabilize him, but only for a short while.

Overnight, Burreaux's condition worsened and, at half-past-midnight, Burreaux succumbed to the mystery ailment.

The veterinary staff at the Zoo and at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine conducted a necropsy to try to determine the cause of Burreaux's death, the results of which are expected in about a month.

The zoo staff, according to the story, were very taken with Burreaux and, as can be expected, are very saddened by his death.

I was always taught that when any bad news came my way I should try to look for the good within that bad news. In this case, I think of the joy that Burreaux brought to the area, even if it was for a short time. I think of the money he helped raise for the zoo to continue its mission. I think of the wonder he stirred in the hearts and minds of those who visited him. I think of the smiles on the faces of the little ones when they gazed up at him.

I also think of Burreaux's brand new little sister, born at the Baton Rouge Zoo just last week. I hope that she can continue the good work that Burreaux was doing.

Photos from Joe Burrow's Final LSU Home Game

Did You Know These Celebrities are LSU Alums?

The 10 Best Former LSU Tigers in the NFL

More From Classic Rock 105.1