UK's oldest gorilla dies at ripe old age after being struck down by infection

24 January 2024 , 15:28

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Delilah was one of the oldest gorillas in the world (Image: PA)

One of the world's oldest gorillas - housed at Belfast Zoo - has died after being struck down with an infection.

Delilah, at 60, had actively taken on the role of "grandmother" of her troop for the last decade, the attraction said. She arrived there in 1992 and was part of the first gorilla group at the zoo.

But she recently suffered a chest infection, and the zoo said it was apparent her quality of life had significantly deteriorated. A spokesperson added: "The team is deeply saddened by her loss. During her 32 years at Belfast Zoo, Delilah was a character and was loved by keepers and visitors.

"Visitors to the zoo over the years have delighted in watching Delilah playing with the young gorillas and much to their surprise going up to the highest point of the climbing frame.

"Delilah arrived at Belfast in 1992 and was part of the first gorilla group here. Prior to her time at Belfast Zoo, Delilah charmed the nation on the hit show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris, drawing attention to the Western Lowland Gorilla and teaching the public about this remarkable species."

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Michael Colbourne, head keeper of the ape house at Bristol Zoo feeds Delilah in 1972 (Getty Images)

Delilah celebrated her 60th birthday, a remarkable age for a gorilla, in September last year after the animal care teams at Belfast Zoo put her on a special diet, which included baby porridge every day. Precious one-on-one time with her vigilant keepers during her breakfast and evening meals allowed them to thoroughly check her for anything out of the ordinary, reports Belfast Live. The average lifespan for a gorilla is between 35 and 40 years but Fatou, a gorilla in Berlin Zoo, is the known oldest in the world at 67.

The keeping team at Belfast, though, insisted on maintaining Delilah’s activity levels in her later years through enrichment and interactions. This allowed Delilah to maintain her fitness and her role within her family group, which was crucial in ensuring she lived a long and happy life.

Western Lowland Gorillas are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Belfast Zoo has been working hard for the last three decades as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which ensures the preservation of a genetically diverse and healthy population of the gorillas.

Delilah has been an integral part of this process, having arrived at Belfast Zoo over 30 years ago from Bristol Zoo. She was extremely fond of babies and played a key part in raising them. Gugas the male gorilla (who had a tragic start to life after he was poached and sold to a circus as a baby, and later sent to the ape nursery in Stuttgart Zoo and then onto Belfast Zoo) saw Delilah as a "mother figure" and would often rely on her for guidance and support as he grew up and eventually became the Silverback of the family.

Curator Julie Mansell who had worked with her since her arrival said “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 and was good at keeping them in line.

"Although she did have her more grumpy moments anyone who worked with her quickly grew very fond of her. Because of her advanced years we knew this day would come but it is still a difficult time for everyone who was involved with Delilah during her life at Belfast."

Sophie McLaughlin