A BELOVED gorilla has died, leaving members of the public and animal keepers “deeply saddened”.
The western lowland gorilla named Tebe lived at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, Kent.
Instagram/@howlettsparkThe park took to social media to make the announcement[/caption]
Tebe passed aged 45 after becoming one of the park’s favourite characters known for being a strong character.
The gorilla was previously rescued from a research centre in Gabon, aged two, by the late John Aspinall.
Keepers have described how the animal died this week following an “acute cardiac event”.
The park took to social media to make the announcement: “It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Tebe our much loved 45 year old western lowland gorilla.
“Tebe suffered an acute cardiac event which sadly she was unable to recover from. Tebe was born in Gabon and lived her early days at a research centre, she was rescued by the late John Aspinall who brought her to Howletts aged two.
“She was a strong character and a much loved gorilla by keepers and visitors alike. Intelligent, observant and inquisitive, Tebe always made new keepers work to win her affection but once earnt she was a joy to work with, forming close bonds with her keepers.
“Tebe’s legacy lives on through her two sons, Ebeki who heads up a family group at Howletts and Kebu who has been returned to the wild and lives in the Congo.”
Tributes have poured in for Tebe from visitors and photographers.
One person wrote: “Thoughts go to her dedicated keepers at this sad time and her family group.”
Another commented: “Sorry to hear this, what a wonderful mother.
“Her legacy lives on with a son back in the wild in Congo.”
Someone else said: “So sad, but also so wonderful that she was rescued and could live her life in safety.”
Keepers have described how the animal died this week following an “acute cardiac event” Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
