London Zoo's gorilla Bobby dies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.London Zoo's gorilla Bobby has died, it was announced today.
The "much-loved" male gorilla was found dead in his nest by his keepers early today.
In a statement, the zoo said everyone was "devastated" by the loss of the 25-year-old silverback.
Bongo Junior, who was known as Bobby, arrived at London Zoo from Bristol Zoo in 2003, and had lived in the zoo's flagship enclosure Gorilla Kingdom since it was opened last year.
The western lowland gorilla, whose species is critically endangered in the wild, was described as a "playful but gentle giant" who liked leeks and bananas and disliked spinach.
Ralph Armond, director general of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), said: "Staff, volunteers, members and the general public are devastated by the loss of ZSL London Zoo's gentle giant.
"Bobby was a much-loved member of the ZSL family and leaves behind his family of keepers and three female gorillas, Mjukuu, nine, Effie, 15, and Zaire, 34."
The zoo will be having a moment's remembrance for Bobby on Wednesday December 10 at 3pm, when visitors and staff can pay their respects to the gorilla by laying a wreath in the courtyard.
Gorilla Kingdom, a £5.3m enclosure which was opened at Easter 2007, was the most significant investment at the zoo for more than 40 years and allows visitors to get close to the western lowland gorillas.
The zoo has pledged to contribute £500,000 to conservation of gorillas in the wild from the development of the exhibit.
Western lowland gorillas are threatened with poaching and the spread of the Ebola virus in their west African homelands, as well as the destruction of their habitat.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments