Maize, the zoo's beloved Percheron draft horse, was one of the most popular attractions in the Indiana Family Farm exhibit at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.  She was about 18 years old

Even though Maize weighed more than 1700 pounds, she was surprisingly gentle, allowing hundreds of thousands of children to pet her over six seasons at the zoo.  

"Maize was one of the largest animals in the zoo, but also one of the sweetest," said Zoo Director Jim Anderson.  "She was one of a kind."

Maize died from a rare muscle infection, just one day after showing signs of illness. 

"The infection that Maize contracted is extremely unusual in horses, and almost always fatal in horses," said Zoo Veterinarian Joe Smith.  "However, there is no chance that it could be passed to humans."

Indiana Family Farm keeper Racheal Branning remembers Maize as extremely patient, but slightly mischievous.  "Once in awhile, she'd get frisky and pull a diaper bag out of stroller to play with it," Branning said.  "We had to tell guests with strollers to stay out of her reach!"

The zoo is searching for a horse to replace Maize, but it won't be easy.  "I don't know if we'll ever find a horse with so much personality," said Branning.  "We miss her so much."

Click here to share your memories of Maize on the zoo's Facebook page.