Paignton Zoo gorilla dies after not waking up from health check

A gorilla has died after not waking up from general anaesthesia at Paignton Zoo.

Kivu, a 22-year-old western lowland gorilla, died on Thursday following a health check.

The zoo said Kivu’s keepers had recently noticed changes in his behaviour and eating habits.

Kivu arrived at the zoo in 2006 from Barcelona and had enjoyed an acting stint – starring as ‘Geoffrey’ in CBBC’s The Zoo show.

Last year, the zoo announced the death of the UK’s oldest known silverback gorilla Pertinax at the age of 42.

Paignton Zoo said Pertinax has acted as “a mentor” to Kivu, allowing him to form “strong bonds” with the other gorillas Kiondo and N’Dowe.

“Bachelor groups like Kivu’s play a vital role in gorilla conservation, providing essential social environments for male gorillas while supporting sustainable breeding programmes worldwide,” a spokesperson said.

They said Kivu’s death would be “deeply felt” by visitors and welcomed condolence messages.

The zoo’s two other gorillas appeared to be “in good health”, according to the zoo, but it said the Ape Centre would close for a couple of days.