San Francisco is grieving the loss of a truly extraordinary four-legged friend this week. Alex the Great, a massive 28-pound Flemish Giant rabbit who captured hearts at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Francisco Giants games, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Alex wasn’t just any ordinary therapy animal. Standing at an impressive size, he became a local celebrity since 2022, bringing comfort and joy to travelers at SFO and baseball fans at Oracle Park. His larger-than-life personality made him an instant cult favorite in the Bay Area.

In mid-May, Alex’s health journey took a challenging turn when veterinarians discovered a cancerous tumor. He underwent emergency surgery at SoMa Animal Hospital, with doctors successfully removing the growth. Initially, things seemed promising, and Alex was even medically cleared to return to Giants games in early June.

However, his condition soon deteriorated. By July 18, Alex was in critical condition at UC Davis, fighting hard against complications from his cancer treatments. His devoted caretakers shared updates on social media, hoping for a miracle and rallying community support.

On July 22, Alex’s official social media channels announced his passing at just four years old. The San Francisco International Airport’s team expressed their profound loss, noting that his “energy and love” would be deeply missed.

Alex’s story is more than just a tale of a remarkable therapy animal. He represented resilience, compassion, and the extraordinary bonds that can form between humans and animals. His ability to bring comfort and joy to thousands of people, whether nervous travelers or stressed baseball fans, made him a true San Francisco icon.

Though Alex is gone, his legacy of spreading happiness and providing emotional support will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him and heard his story. San Francisco has lost a unique and beloved friend, but his memory will continue to warm hearts across the Bay Area.