PREVIEW

Keepers at his home, Paignton Zoo, announced his death on 25 June. Pertinax had been showing symptoms of an underlying illness, which had not responded to extensive treatment, so the difficult decision was taken to euthanise him.The Paignton Zoo team added: “Since his arrival 27 years ago, Pertinax quickly became a fond favourite among our supporters and regular visitors.“We knew immediately that he was special, thanks to his calm yet somewhat cheeky personality.” Pertinax was also a bit of a celebrity, starring as Hank in CBBC’s ‘The Zoo’. He first arrived at Paignton Zoo from Germany in 1997. Pertinax has been a father figure to many young gorillas, nurturing three different groups of males. In 2006, he was joined by the trio of young male gorillas Kiondo, Kivu and N’Dowe. As before, Pertinax took an active role in raising them until, after the three came of age, going into a well-earned ‘retirement’ away from the boisterous teens. In his autumn years, Pertinax’s personality mellowed even more, and he would spend his days leisurely exploring his island. He even discovered a love for music, particularly when his keepers would sing for him. R.I.P. Pertinax.