One of the oldest gorillas in the world and resident of Belfast Zoo for more than three decades has died.
Delilah (60) has been remembered as “a character” who was “loved by keepers and visitors”.
The zoo said on Wednesday: “It is with deep regret that Belfast Zoo has to announce the death of Delilah, the oldest gorilla in the UK and one of the oldest in the world.
“At 60-years-old, Delilah had actively taken on the role of ‘grandmother’ of the troop for the last decade.”
She had recently recovered from a chest infection, but had been left with a significantly deteriorated quality of life. The zoo said the careful decision was made to put her to sleep to prevent gradual further decline.
Delilah was part of the first gorilla group at Belfast Zoo when she arrived in 1992.
She had shot to fame in the 1970s when she starred in the BBC show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris.
She celebrated her 60th birthday in September, with the zoo describing how her long life was due to her carefully managed diet and care from the animal team.
Curator Julie Mansell said: “Delilah was a character who had been at Belfast Zoo for many years.
“She was never one to miss out on a group tussle and thoroughly enjoyed the company of the youngsters and was good at keeping them in line.
“Although she did have her more grumpy moments anyone who worked with her quickly grew very fond of her.
“Because of her advanced years we knew this day would come but it is still a difficult time for everyone who was involved with Delilah during her life at Belfast.”
