COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo announced that Pistil, an ambassador skunk that joined the zoo in 2020, has died at the age of nine. As part of the Animal Encounters Village, Pistil taught zoo guests about conservation and was trained to collect litter from guests to throw out. She was diagnosed with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy in 2022 but continued to show off her "big personality" while dealing with the condition and "bringing smiles to everyone she met." The animal care team decided for humane euthanasia as Pistil's health began to decline. Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and AquariumCourtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and AquariumCourtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Meet Columbus’ LEGO Mini-Master Model Builder “It was a joy to work with Pistil. Her bright personality and spunk made it easy to love her," wrote her animal care team in a statement. "She was a wonderful ambassador and helped bridge the gap between humans and a historically underappreciated and misunderstood species. We are grateful for the time spent with her and will cherish her memory fondly. Sometimes the smallest animals have the biggest impacts. "