The Raptor Center mourns one of their oldest great horned owls

A great horned owl that spent more than 25 years with The Raptor Center passed away last week.

In an announcement Monday, the TRC said Ricke died June 25 via humane euthanasia following a "major neurological event", having received "the best care and treatment efforts."

"Ricke will be sorely missed for his gentile spirit," the center wrote.

As an ambassador, Ricke spent many years educating the public on raptors.

"He was described by one of our experienced education naturalists as 'a softy who wouldn't even hurt a fly,'" TRC shared in their announcement. "However, his calm demeanor never prevented him from making a huge impact on all who met him."

Ricke joined TRC in November of 1998 as a baby after being "rescued" by citizens with "good intentions," the center shared.

However, due to poor nutrition, he developed a damaged bone structure with a condition known as rickets, earning him his name. The disease prevented him from being released back into the wild.

At TRC, Ricke lived longer than he would have in the wild and eventually development age-related medical conditions.

According to TRC, innovate therapies and the care of experienced staff are helping birds in the "feathered retirement community" live past average life expectancies.