THE UK’s oldest silverback gorilla — a star of kids’ TV — has died aged 42.
Pertinax became a celebrity after his role as Hank in CBBC mockumentary The Zoo.
ApexPaignton Zoo has announced the death of the UK’s oldest silverback gorilla – Pertinax, at the age of 42[/caption]
He was put to sleep at Paignton Zoo, Devon, after failing to respond to treatment for an underlying illness.
An online condolence book was set up for fans of the gentle giant.
The zoo said: “We feel incredibly privileged to have cared for Pertinax for nearly three decades.
“He was one of a kind and his loss will be felt deeply by our community — especially by his keepers who knew him best.”
Pertinax — named after a Roman emperor — was born in Germany and sent to Paignton in 1997.
Silverback is the name given to a dominant gorilla — and in 2006 Pertinax became a mentor to young males Kionodo, Kivu and N’Dowe.
When the boisterous trio grew up, Pertinax was moved to an island enclosure to “retire”.
Western lowland gorillas like him can live to 50.
The zoo added: “He’d spend his days leisurely exploring his island.
“He discovered a love for music and formed a close bond with his keepers who would sing for him.”
Related Posts:
- World’s oldest professional footballer, 57, on the move again as he completes loan transfer to 17th club Sports THE world’s oldest footballer Kazuyoshi Miura has signed for a new club aged 57. The Japanese striker has joined Atletico Suzuka – 38 years after making his senior football debut for Santos. AlamyKazuyoshi Miura has signed for Atletico Suzuka[/caption] AFPMiura, 57, spoke to the press after completing his transfer[/caption] GettyThe…
- Tamayo Perry death updates — Pirates of the Caribbean star dies aged 49 after ‘shark attack’ as tributes flood in News TAMAYO Perry, 49, has died aged 49 after being mauled to death in a suspected shark attack. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said on Sunday Tamayo’s body was found with several bites. Perry starred in major blockbusters including Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. He previously made an appearance…
- The Real World star Sarah Becker dies aged 52 Entertainment The Real World star Sarah Becker has died aged 52 (Pictures: Facebook) The Real World star Sarah Becker has died at the age of 52. The MTV favorite, who appeared on the Miami-based version of the reality series, died by suicide. Her family confirmed the news to TMZ, explaining that…
- 90s music legend Shifty Shellshock of Crazy Town dies aged 49 Entertainment Shifty Shellshock of Crazy Town has died aged 49 (Picture: Medios y Media/Getty Images) Singer Seth Binzer, better known as Shifty Shellshock, has died aged 49 according to the Los Angeles medical examiner. A cause of death for the Crazy Town singer is not currently known, having died on June…
- WWE Hall of Famer Sika, father of Roman Reigns, dies aged 79 Entertainment Sika was a member of the Hall of Fame tag team The Wild Samoans (Picture: WWE) WWE legend Sika Anoa’i has died aged 79, according to his family. The Hall of Famer, whose son is current WWE superstar Roman Reigns, was part of the Wild Samoans tag team alongside his…
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)