he oldest gorilla within the UK is celebrating her sixtieth birthday at Belfast Zoo.
Delilah, who has been on the zoo for greater than 30 years, shot to fame within the Seventies when she starred within the BBC present Animal Magic with Johnny Morris.
Delilah was a part of the primary gorilla group at Belfast Zoo when she arrived within the metropolis in 1992.
She has been with us at Belfast for the previous 31 years and nonetheless has numerous character regardless of her superior age for a gorilla
Zoo keeper Simon Beasley mentioned: “Delilah is popping 60 and is the second oldest in Europe.
“She has been with us at Belfast for the previous 31 years and nonetheless has numerous character regardless of her superior age for a gorilla.
“Delilah is a dream animal to work with and can interact with the keepers and enjoys whenever you discuss to her throughout her breakfast within the morning.”
Resulting from her superior age, Delilah enjoys numerous extra help from her keepers.
Zoo keeper Demi Cummings mentioned: “Delilah is an actual character throughout the troop and has been an absolute pleasure to work with right here at Belfast Zoo.
“Delilah receives a particular weight loss plan of root greens and a milky drink with added dietary supplements to ease her aches and pains.
“She has additionally misplaced a few of her enamel and, subsequently, receives additional meals which has been fastidiously steamed.”
Delilah lives with the remainder of the gorilla troop, together with silverback Gugas, Kwanza, Kamili, Namoki, Baako, Olivia and Kofi.
Ms Cummings added: “Delilah has been a loving grandparent determine throughout the group.
“She is commonly seen partaking and taking part in with the youngest gorilla, two-year-old Kofi.
“These animals are extremely social, and each member of the troop performs an necessary position within the household dynamic.”
Western lowland gorillas are a extremely endangered nice ape species discovered within the rainforests of West Africa.
Western lowland gorillas are in severe decline attributable to destruction of their habitats, poaching and illness
Current estimates present fewer than 200,000 gorillas stay within the wild right now.
Zoo supervisor Alyn Cairns mentioned: “Western lowland gorillas are in severe decline attributable to destruction of their habitats, poaching and illness.
“Belfast Zoo is a part of a collaborative breeding programme, and we play an necessary position in gorilla conservation.
“It’s a credit score to the care supplied by keepers at Belfast Zoo that whereas being the oldest gorilla within the UK and second oldest in Europe, Delilah is match and wholesome.
“We take delight in our accountable strategy to animal care to make sure the continued excellence and finest follow in the direction of the welfare of all of the zoo’s animals.”
