BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The California Living Museum sadly announced Wednesday that after 17 years, its Great horned owl Draco was humanely euthanized.

The announcement came via social media from Zoo Manager Lana Fain, who wrote Draco was suffering from a cancerous tumor. "Draco was with us for 17 years as a Docent ambassador animal as well as an exhibit bird," Fain wrote. "He was loved by staff as well as our guests—what other owl gets anonymous love letters attached to their enclosure."

The zoo said that Draco loved to interact with people and be vocal.

"We will miss him beyond what we can even imagine," Lain wrote. "Fly free Draco!"