Heathcliff, a 48-year-old king vulture, died on Friday. Heathcliff first arrived at the zoo in July of 1967.

The vulture was one of the three oldest male king vultures that lived in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo.

The Zoo's Director of Animal Health and Conservation found that the bird had widespread gout, which is a sign of kidney failure; however, it will take eight weeks to have a final cause of death.

Heathcliff's exhibit-mate, Gertrude, is also one of the oldest female king vultures. The zoo says is in good health.