 Angela had been suffering from a leg injury |
One of Belfast zoo's best-loved animals, Angela the chimpanzee, has died. Angela, who was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago, was put to sleep after complications arose from a leg injury.
Zoo-keeper Linda Frew said the injury flared up again on Saturday and it was discovered that the 23-year-old chimp had a massive secondary infection.
Ms Frew said Angela was in pain and her quality of life was deteriorating.
"We had no choice but to do what we felt was best for her, and put her to sleep.
"Angela will be sadly missed by all the zoo staff, the other chimpanzees and our regular visitors," she said.
When the chimp was diagnosed with diabetes - a rare condition in chimpanzees - it was believed she would not survive for more than a few weeks.
"Once I found out she would take her medication in Pepsi Max, it made administering the treatment a lot easier and she lived a very happy life," Ms Frew said.
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