'Deep Shock And Grief' After Chimpanzee Named Mogli Dies At Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo has issued a statement expressing how deeply shocked they are after a beloved chimpanzee died.

Staff were called in to assess Mogli after concerns were raised for his welfare.

Pictures from the 7News helicopter showed zookeepers gathered together, with at least one person seen diving into the water part of the enclosure.

The zoo has released a statement on social media, saying: "Sydney Zoo is sad to announce the death of Mogli a beloved member of our chimpanzee troop.

"Mogli was found in the chimpanzee habitat this morning by our team. We are currently investigating the circumstances and once more information is known we will make a further statement.

"We would like to confirm that media reports of an escaped animal are false. The team are in a state of deep shock and grief."

Callers told 2GB Radio that an animal had escaped their enclosure at the zoo and it had sparked a facility-wide lockdown. That was found to be incorrect.

Local media claimed people were locked inside buildings, others were told to wait inside their cars and the zoo stopped letting in new visitors.

Topics: Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie