Tebe, a western lowland gorilla, died aged 45 at her home at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, Kent, after suffering an ‘acute cardiac event’ earlier this week
A beloved gorilla that had lived at a UK wild animal park since being rescued as a baby has tragically died aged 45.
Staff at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, Kent, have been left “deeply saddened” by the death of Tebe, a western lowland gorilla. The mother-of-two was rescued aged two from a research centre in the Gabon by the late John Aspinall and quickly became one of the park’s favourite characters.
Her keepers say she died this week after suffering an “acute cardiac event” and could not be saved, the Mirror reports. In a post on social media, the park said: “It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Tebe our much loved 45 year old western lowland gorilla.
“Tebe suffered an acute cardiac event which sadly she was unable to recover from. Tebe was born in Gabon and lived her early days at a research centre, she was rescued by the late John Aspinall who brought her to Howletts aged two.
“She was a strong character and a much loved gorilla by keepers and visitors alike. Intelligent, observant and inquisitive, Tebe always made new keepers work to win her affection but once earnt she was a joy to work with, forming close bonds with her keepers.
“Tebe’s legacy lives on through her two sons, Ebeki who heads up a family group at Howletts and Kebu who has been returned to the wild and lives in the Congo.”
Many people on social media were also saddened by the news of Tebe’s passing. One person said: “Sorry to hear this, what a wonderful mother. Her legacy lives on with a son back in the wild in Congo.”
Another added: “I’m always sad to hear about one of these majestic creatures passing away. Sending my deepest condolences to her troop and to all who cared for her. Rest peacefully Queen.”
Gorillas usually around 35-40 years in the wild but can live longer in captivity, closer to 50 years.
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