PREVIEW

The UK’s oldest silverback gorilla, Pertinax, has died at the ripe old age of 42.


Keepers at his home, Paignton Zoo, announced his death on Tuesday (25June2024).


Zoo staff said it was with “deep sadness” that they announced the passing of the “beloved western lowland gorilla”. At the age of 42, Pertinax was the UK’s oldest silverback.
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. Along with his friend Claus, the two males became the first residents of the zoo’s new Ape Centre.
During his time here, Pertinax had 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.
“We feel incredibly privileged to have cared for Pertinax for nearly three decades. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and his loss will be felt deeply by our community, especially by his keepers who knew him best,” staff at the zoo added.