Tragic update after gorillas were discovered banging on window of zoo that shut years ago

Over recent months, a crew of gorillas were viral after being spotted banging on the windows of a zoo.

Explorers broke into Bristol Zoo’s Clifton site where they discovered the animals still being kept there. It was soon clarified that although it had been closed since 2022, the inhabitants remaining there were being cared for in their enclosure while a new one was being built for them.

And earlier this month, an update came in that the gorillas were being readied to move to their new home at Bristol Zoo Project.

But unfortunately, the latest update is tragic, as the oldest male, Jock, has died following his arrival at their new home two weeks ago.

The 45-year-old is said to have deteriorated ten days after his arrival, and it was confirmed yesterday (26 February) that he had been euthanised.

Jock has been euthanised. (SWNS)

A spokesperson for Bristol Zoo Project said this was ‘the best outcome for his welfare’, and that Jock had a number of pre-existing health conditions which are ‘common for gorillas his age’.

He had however apparently settled well into his new habitat in the time he had there.

The Zoo added: "It is too early to determine the cause of Jock’s illness, but we will conduct a full review as soon as possible.

“Silverbacks typically live up to 35-40 years in the wild, and face threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and health issues such as tooth loss as they age."

The silverback western lowland gorilla was born in France back in 31 May 1983 before arriving at Bristol Zoo in 2003.

Jock became a central figure in the troop of gorillas during his two decades there and played a vital role in the European co-ordinated breeding programme for the Critically Endangered gorilla breed.

He fathered several youngsters including Namoki, Komale, Kukena, Juni, and Hasani.

The gorillas had remained in their enclosure at the abandoned zoo before being moved this month. (SWNS)

Sarah Gedman, curator of mammals at the zoo said: “The decision to let Jock go peacefully was made with his comfort and quality of life in mind, a testament to the deep bonds between him and the people who cared for him every day.

“Jock’s legacy at Bristol Zoo, as a leader, father, and ambassador for his species, will live on through the gorillas he helped raise and the countless people he inspired. His life was a reminder of both the beauty and fragility of wildlife, and the importance of conservation efforts everywhere.

“This is a really difficult time for the keepers and all colleagues and volunteers here. We all feel we have lost a friend in Jock and will always remember him so fondly.”

As the rest of the gorillas settle into their new home without Jock at Bristol Zoo Project, it’s added that the animals have ‘strong social bonds and are sensitive to change’.

The zoo will be closely monitoring the animals and giving them ‘extra enrichment’.