One of Highland Wildlife Park's 'real characters' has passed away
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One of the Highland Wildlife Park's wolverines has passed away after a good innings.
The park owners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: "Sadly our 16-year-old male wolverine Xale passed away yesterday, following age-related health issues.
"He was particularly old for his species and well loved by both visitors and staff.
"We know he will be greatly missed."
There have been more than 150 comments on his passing on the attraction's social media account in just two hours.
Nicola Russell posted: "He was my absolute favourite every time we visited so sorry to hear this.
Suzanne Fairgrieve said: "Awww no, that wasn't Xale we just saw 2 days ago? He looked like he was having fun nagging the keeper to quit cleaning and feed him.
"Fab wee guy. Heartbroken for you guys, obvious how much you adore the animals you care for."
Leigh Hammond commented: "Aaw that’s so sad. My wee girl bought a Wolverine teddy when we were up two weeks ago as they were her favourite that day.
"We were lucky enough to see all three."
John Park posted: "Really sad news. He was a star of the park. Great character! He had a long and happy life though, which is what we all wish for."
The world's total wolverine population is not known.
The animal exhibits a low population density and requires a very large home range
However, the wolverine is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern because of its "wide distribution, remaining large populations, and the unlikelihood that it is in decline at a rate fast enough to trigger even Near Threatened"
Life expectancy in the wild is five to 13 years but in captivity can be 15 to even 17 years.
