Al Ain: Al Ain’s oldest mammal – a gorilla named Lady – has passed away at the age of 41.
The Lowland Gorilla, who was first brought to Al Ain Zoo in 1978, died in her sleep, said the zoo’s spokesperson.
In a statement released on Monday, Al Ain Zoo’s spokesperson said: "It is with sadness that Al Ain Zoo announces the passing away of perhaps its most loved animal, the Lowland Gorilla Lady."
"Lady first came to the Zoo in 1978 and immediately became a favourite with both keepers and visitors. As a young infant, she was hand reared by keepers and was always the centre of attention," said the zoo's spokesperson.
The western lowland gorilla, described by the World Wildlife organisation as a critically endangered species, is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies.
The average lowland gorilla can weigh up to 199 kilograms and reach up to 1.7 metres when standing.
She was part of our childhood,
and the zoo's constant source of happiness
Lady.. you will be missed#GoodByeLady pic.twitter.com/wooIDffzmX— Al Ain Zoo (@AlAinZooUAE) August 1, 2016
The zoo's spokesperson said: "In 2002, she moved into a new gorilla exhibit where she happily remained for the rest of her life. Here she could look out through large glass panels at the daily activities of the zoo and became a favourite with visitors of all ages.
Media reports revealed that Lady was brought to the UAE from Cameroon in 1978, when she was four years old.
After her mate Maxi died of natural causes in 1998, she has since lived on her own.
“During this period she had a number of companion animals, including rabbits and even a wallaby that soon become her animal friends. She was always well looked after and enjoyed being the centre of attention," the spokesperson added.
