Gorilla dies days after moving to new home

A silverback western lowland gorilla has died days after he was moved to a new home.

Jock, 42, who spent the majority of his life at Bristol Zoo Project's Clifton site, had a number of known conditions, but his health deteriorated 10 days after his relocation to a site near Cribbs Causeway.

Sarah Gedman, curator of mammals at Bristol Zoo Project, said the "difficult decision" to peacefully euthanise Jock is a "testament to the deep bonds between him and the people who cared for him".

He was one of the oldest silverbacks in the UK and was part of a troop of eight at the zoo.

"Jock's legacy at Bristol Zoo, as a leader, father, and ambassador for his species, will live on through the gorillas he helped raise and the countless people he inspired," she added.

"His life was a reminder of both the beauty and fragility of wildlife, and the importance of conservation efforts everywhere."

Jock arrived at Clifton's Bristol Zoo Gardens in 2003 and was a central figure in the zoo's troop throughout his time there.

He fathered several infants both at the zoo and through the European co-ordinated breeding programme for Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas.

The gorillas had been looked after by keepers at the Clifton site since its closure in 2022.

Just under two weeks ago, they moved into a new purpose-built African rainforest enclosure at the site near Cribbs Causeway.

Vets and zookeepers have continued to monitor the gorillas since the move, but say a full review is needed to determine the cause of Jock's illness.

"The remaining members of our gorilla troop are safe and in good health, and our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams are closely monitoring their welfare, as the troop adjusts to Jock's absence.

"Our entire team of colleagues and volunteers are devastated by this news," Gedman added.

Jock's species typically lives between 35 and 40 years in the wild and is classified as critically endangered, largely due to threats such as poaching and habitat loss.

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