On November 26, 2023, the Skopje Zoo in Macedonia lost not one, but two of its most beloved souls. In the early hours of the morning, longtime giraffe caretaker Riste Trajkovski passed away unexpectedly, believed to be from heart-related causes. Just hours later, the zoo’s last giraffe, Floppy, also died.

For more than a decade, Riste had devoted his life to caring for Floppy. Their bond was not only visible to the zoo staff but to countless visitors who witnessed the gentle way Riste tended to the giraffe. Photographer Goran Anastasovski, who spent years documenting animals at the zoo, noted that Riste spent more time with the giraffes than with people — and it showed. His calm presence and quiet dedication made him a fixture of the zoo, and Floppy thrived under his care.

When news broke that both had died within hours of each other, the community was stunned. To many, it seemed like more than coincidence — a heartbreaking reflection of their deep connection. Staff members fought to save Floppy, but despite their best efforts, the giraffe slipped away, as if unwilling to continue without the man who had been by his side for so many years.

The story of Riste and Floppy is a reminder of the profound bonds that can exist between humans and animals. Beyond food, shelter, and routine care, what truly matters is the love and trust built over time. In the quiet corners of the Skopje Zoo, that bond blossomed into something extraordinary — so strong that even death could not separate them for long.

Their passing leaves a void not only in the zoo but in the hearts of all who knew their story. Yet their legacy endures: a testament to the mysterious, enduring connections that remind us love knows no boundaries — not even between species.