Edgar, among the worldâs largest diamondback rattlesnakes, dead at 21 at Florida zoo

A celebrity in the world of rattlesnakes has died at age 21 at the Central Florida Zoo.

Edgar, an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, was internationally known for being intimidatingly large and ghostly white.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Edgar,” the Orianne Center For Indigo Conservation wrote May 18 on Facebook.

“Born at the Central Florida Zoo on September 8, 2001, Edgar eventually grew to be over 7 feet long and more than 20 pounds, making him one of the largest diamondback rattlers on record. … He will be sorely missed.”

To be more accurate, he was 7 feet, 4 inches, and his weight rivaled that of a full-grown beagle.

A cause of death was not revealed, but the center hinted it was old age. The average lifespan of an eastern diamondback is 15 to 20 years, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

Edgar pretty much lived like a king at the center, never having to work for a meal. That may explain why he was about 6 pounds heavier than the average eastern diamondback found in the wild.

“With the care of our team, he lived to the upper end of the typical lifespan for his species in captivity,” the center reported.

“He became known as the easiest animal to manage in OCIC’s venomous snake collection, very rarely sounding his rattle. Over his long tenure as an animal ambassador, he helped tell the story of his species to countless guests on numerous occasions.”

Diamondbacks are North America’s largest venomous snakes known for being “heavy-bodied” with a “large and thick head,” the Florida Museum reports. Their venom is potent and “can be very dangerous to people and pets.”

News of Edgar’s passing garnered more than 1,300 reactions and comments on social media, including from fans who called him an “icon” and a “super” snake.

“RIP King of the Diamondbacks!” the Alabama Herpetological Society wrote on the center’s Facebook page.

“A true legend,” Jayce Kaldor posted.

“Long live the King Edgar!” Daniel Durden said.