– Britain’s oldest gorilla dies at Belfast Zoo
– Delilah, the oldest gorilla in Britain, passes away at Belfast Zoo.
Britain’s Oldest Gorilla, Delilah, Passes Away at Belfast Zoo
By Shannon Mcguigan
Published: 11:58 EST, 24 January 2024 | Updated: 12:07 EST, 24 January 2024
Delilah, the UK’s oldest gorilla, took her final breath at Belfast Zoo shortly after celebrating her 60th birthday. Delilah had been a part of the zoo’s first-ever troop of gorillas since 1992, making her one of the oldest gorillas in the world. Unfortunately, she suffered from an infection that led to her being put to sleep.
Delilah had spent over 32 years at Belfast Zoo, where she had become known as the “grandmother” of her group for the past decade. The zoo shared that her health had significantly declined after she contracted a chest infection.
The beloved gorilla had captured the hearts of the nation when she appeared on the hit TV show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris. A spokesperson for Belfast Zoo expressed deep sadness over her loss, stating, “During her 32 years at Belfast Zoo, Delilah was a character and was loved by keepers and visitors.”
Visitors to the zoo over the years had enjoyed watching Delilah play with the young gorillas and were amazed when she climbed to the highest point of the climbing frame. Her appearance on Animal Magic had drawn attention to the Western Lowland Gorilla species and educated the public about this remarkable species.
Gorillas typically have a life expectancy of 35 to 40 years, but Delilah defied the odds by reaching the age of 60. The world’s oldest gorilla, Fatou, is currently 87 years old.
In the final months of her life, Delilah was on a specialized diet of medication and baby porridge. This allowed zookeepers to closely monitor her health during meal times. The zoo’s team took a proactive approach to ensure Delilah’s activity levels remained high so she could continue her matriarchal role in the troop and live a joyful life.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Belfast Zoo has been actively participating in the European Endangered Species Programme for the past 30 years, working to preserve a genetically diverse and healthy gorilla population.
Julie Mansell, the zoo curator who had worked with Delilah since her arrival, described her as a character who had been at Belfast Zoo for many years. Mansell mentioned that Delilah enjoyed the company of the youngsters and was skilled at keeping them in line. Despite having some grumpy moments, those who worked with her grew very fond of her.
While Delilah’s advanced age had prepared the zoo for this day, it is still a difficult time for everyone who was involved with her during her life at Belfast Zoo.
In conclusion, Britain’s oldest gorilla, Delilah, has passed away at Belfast Zoo at the age of 60. Her long-standing presence at the zoo and her appearances on Animal Magic made her beloved by keepers and visitors alike. Despite her age and declining health, Delilah lived a fulfilling life and played an important role in her gorilla troop. Her passing is a loss not only for Belfast Zoo but for all who admired her..
– Britain’s oldest gorilla Delilah dies at Belfast Zoo
– Belfast Zoo’s oldest gorilla Delilah dies months after celebrating 60th birthday.
