NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- The Virginia Zoo announced the death of two senior slender-tailed meerkats, who were humanely euthanized Wednesday due to age-related illnesses. Amadi (13) and Hardy (12) arrived at the Virginia Zoo in 2015 and became beloved members of the zoo community. They were both bo rn in 2012 at the Cleveland Park Zoo. Meerkats Amadi and Hardy (Courtesy: Virginia Zoo) Zoo officials determined it was best to euthanize them simultaneously after careful consideration and consultations with several other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) animal care experts. "Amadi had a bold personality and never hesitated to approach staff, especially when food was involved, while Hardy was more reserved. Both enjoyed spending their days digging, doing animal paintings, interacting with enrichment, snuggling in their nest boxes together, and sleeping in," the zoo said. Amadi and Hardy exceeded their median life expectancy of 10 years. The zoo staff is working diligently with the Slender-tailed Meerkat Species Survival Plan coordinators to house new meerkats in the future. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. ...read more read less