Keepers “devastated” by gorilla death

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Zookeepers in Jersey and Melbourne have been left devastated by the death of a Durrell-born gorilla in Australia over the weekend.

Julia (33), a female gorilla born in Jersey, was killed by an adult male in their enclosure in Melbourne Zoo. She was attacked on Friday, and despite being checked over by a vet and transferred to a veterinary hospital, died early on Sunday morning.

The news has devastated zookeepers on both sides of the world.

Mark Brayshaw, Head of Animal Collection, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, said: “We are obviously upset to hear the sad news about Julia. She is fondly remembered here at Durrell.”

A spokesman for Melbourne Zoo said: “The keepers are inconsolable and all the rest of us are devastated. Julia was much loved here in Melbourne and we are all struggling with the outcome of such an unprecedented and unforeseeable event.”

Another Jersey-born Gorilla, G’Ann, remains in the Melbourne Zoo, and Julia’s daughter is at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

Picture credit: Durrell