Bristol Zoo’s oldest silverback gorilla Jock, 45, dies days after transfer into new residence following criticism

Bristol Zoo’s oldest silverback gorilla has died days after moving into a new home amid controversy. 

Silverback western lowland Jock, 45, had been living with a troop of eight other gorillas at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton, an old site which was closed to the public in September 2022. 

The Clifton site had multiple break-ins by social media ‘urban explorers’ and suffered accusations by influencers that the animals were not being looked after and had been ‘abandoned’ – claims the zoo refuted. 

A new Central African forest habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project – the sister site of Bristol Zoo Gardens – was completed, and the eight gorillas, including Jock, were moved in just two weeks ago. 

But Jock, 45, the oldest male gorilla in the family, deteriorated just ten days after his  arrival. Bristol Zoo announced on Thursday that they had taken the decision to euthanise him. 

The news followed a tough week for animal lovers, who had followed the sad plight of baby Punch the monkey in Japan, and the news that a capybara and tapir who were best friends were put down at Newquay Zoo. 

A spokesperson for Bristol Zoo Project said it was ‘the best outcome for his welfare’, and despite settling in well to his new habitat, he had a number of pre-existing health conditions that are common for gorillas his age. 

They added: ‘It is too early to determine the cause of Jock’s illness, but we will conduct a full review as soon as possible. 

Jock the silverback gorilla has died aged 45 following a controversial move from Bristol Zoo’s old site at Clifton to their new one in north Bristol

An aerial view of the old site at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton, which was closed to the public in September 2022 after multiple break-ins and reports that the animals had been ‘abandoned’

‘Silverbacks typically live up to 35-40 years in the wild, and face threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and health issues such as tooth loss as they age.’

Born in France on May 31, 1983, Jock arrived at Bristol Zoo in 2003 and became a central figure in the gorilla troop for more than two decades.  

Over the years, Jock played a vital role in the European co-ordinated breeding programme for Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas. 

He fathered several infants, including Namoki, Komale, Kukena, Juni, and Hasani.

Sarah Gedman, Curator of Mammals at the zoo said: ‘The decision to let Jock go peacefully was made with his comfort and quality of life in mind, a testament to the deep bonds between him and the people who cared for him every day.

‘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. 

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

‘This is a really difficult time for the keepers and all colleagues and volunteers here. We all feel we have lost a friend in Jock and will always remember him so fondly.’

Jock was born in France in 1983 and arrived at Bristol Zoo 20 years later, becoming a central figure in the gorilla troop for more than two decades 

The zoo said gorillas have ‘strong social bonds and are sensitive to change’ and the rest of the animals will be closely monitored and given ‘extra enrichment’. 

This week, zookeepers and fans were also left devastated when a pair of unlikely animal best friends were put to sleep on Friday so they wouldn’t have to ‘face life alone’. 

Johnson, a nine-year-old capybara, and Al, a 20-year-old Brazilian tapir, shared a long-standing friendship within the confines of Newquay Zoo’s South American enclosure.

The ‘difficult decision’ to euthanise the animals was taken by staff after they both experienced age-related issues. 

Keepers at the Cornish zoo said the choice ‘ensured neither animal would experience isolation following the loss of a companion’.

They added capybaras and tapirs are naturally calm, social species, and the two animals had become inseparable over the years.

The duo, who were firm zoo favourites, battled with their health over the last few months, which had impacted their quality of life.

A Newquay Zoo spokesman said: ‘This has been an incredibly difficult loss for those who cared for them daily.

‘It was difficult for us to say goodbye to them both at the same time, but it was the kindest thing for them.

‘Both animals were much-loved members of our zoo community, and their absence will be deeply felt by staff and visitors alike.’