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12 April, 2021

Beloved chimpanzee found dead at Sydney Zoo following reports it was on the loose

Sydney Zoo was forced to close on Friday after a chimpanzee was found dead in its enclosure.

ABC News reported that emotional staff members were seen watching on as the animals were retrieved from a moat surrounding its habitat.

The 10-year-old ape named Mogli was wrapped in a tarp and transported to a warehouse near the zoo’s headquarters in Sydney’s west as large crowds of people queues outside the zoo’s entrance.

Rumours of an animal on the loose quickly spread through the crowd of waiting patrons.

“We didn’t know that about the chimp. That’s what the kids are here for. What can you do? I don’t know how to tell it to them,” Vu Nguien, who was waiting to visit the zoo, said.

Sydney Zoo’s duty manager Lisa Christie, told the national broadcaster that the zoo is currently investigating the circumstances around Mogli’s death and confirmed that reports of an escaped animal were false.

“The team are in a state of deep shock and grief,” she said.

Sydney Zoo posted it its Facebook page with news of the animal’s death, adding that CCTV footage had provided no clarity.

“The exact cause of death is inconclusive, and a post-mortem will be conducted,” the post said.

“Today we lost a family member. Mogli had a personality that was larger than life. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, piercing amber eyes and cheeky smile.

“This has been a very sad day for everyone and during times like these, the zoo’s focus is to support the entire team.”

The zoo in encouraging members and guests to leave messages of support for its team below the post.

Farewell Mogli.
We’re sad to announce the death of Mogli, a beloved member of our chimpanzee family. His passing has…
Posted by Sydney Zoo on Thursday, April 8, 2021

Ben Pearson, head of campaigns at World Animal Protection, told 7 News that wild animals like Mogli deserve to live a wild life.

“Instead, this was a tragic end to a life in cruel captivity,” he said.

“While the complex needs of wild animals like chimpanzees cannot be met in captivity, zoos have an obligation to the animals in their care, and must ensure their safety.

“The death must be investigated so no other wild animals at Sydney Zoo suffer the same fate.”

Featured image source: Facebook/Sydney Zoo

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chimpanzee Lisa Christie Mogli Sydney Zoo Vu Nguien