– Oldest gorilla in the UK
– Dies at the age of 60.
Oldest Gorilla in the UK Dies at Age 60
Delilah, the oldest gorilla in the UK and one of the oldest in the world, has sadly passed away at Belfast Zoo at the age of 60. Delilah had been a resident of the zoo for an impressive 32 years and was previously featured on the popular show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris. Her death comes just months after the zoo celebrated her 60th birthday.
In recent years, Delilah’s health had been declining, and she had been on a specialized diet. Each morning, she received baby porridge with her medication. The veterinary team and keepers at Belfast Zoo were in constant contact, ensuring any issues were addressed quickly. Despite her age, Delilah’s activity levels were maintained through enrichment and interactions.
Unfortunately, Delilah recently suffered from a chest infection, and the difficult decision was made to put her to sleep to prevent further decline in her condition. The zoo released a statement expressing their deep sadness at her loss. Delilah was a beloved character at the zoo, loved by both keepers and visitors alike.
Over the years, visitors to Belfast Zoo delighted in watching Delilah play with the young gorillas and even climb to the highest point of the climbing frame. She arrived at the zoo in 1992 and was part of the first gorilla group there. Delilah will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Western Lowland Gorillas, like Delilah, are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population has been rapidly declining in recent years due to habitat loss and poaching. The loss of Delilah is a reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures.
Zoo curator Julie Mansell spoke fondly of Delilah, saying, “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, keeping them in line. Although she had her grumpy moments, anyone who worked with her quickly grew very fond of her.”
The passing of Delilah marks a sad day for Belfast Zoo and all those who were involved in her life. Despite knowing that this day would come due to her advanced years, it is still a difficult time for everyone who had the privilege of knowing and caring for Delilah.
If you have any information or stories to share about Delilah, please email our news team at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more news stories like this, visit our news page.
In memory of Delilah, let us continue to raise awareness about the conservation of gorillas and work towards protecting their natural habitats..
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