The Zoo said that the gibbon, called George, had been extremely unwell for several days, becoming increasingly lethargic and losing his appetite.
Despite care from the Zoo’s veterinary team and monitoring by his keepers he did not respond to treatment and because of his advanced age, underlying health issues and a poor prognosis, staff made the decision to put him down on Tuesday.
Although George’s exact age is not known, it is estimated he was 38 at the time of his death. He spent his early years at Chipperfield Circus before being donated to Fota Zoo in 1983 and later moved to Dublin Zoo.
George arrived at Jersey Zoo along with his partner Hazel in 1997.
Head of mammals at Jersey Zoo Dom Wormell said: ‘He was a truly wonderful, larger-than-life character, whose extraordinary acrobatics on the ropes were a sight to behold.
‘He was a great favourite with staff, visitors and volunteers who will be very sad to see him go and we will all miss the beautiful chorus of song that would echo around the Zoo as the pair of them flew spectacularly through the air.’
