Thousands of people across Ireland have reacted "strongly" to the news "gentle giant" Harry the gorilla has died suddenly.
Dublin Zoo director Leo Oosterweghel said staff were devastated the 29-year-old silverback, who has lived at zoo for two decades, died last Sunday after a short illness.
“Harry was huge, my goodness. He weighed more than 150 kg, had enormous muscles and was beautiful. He had this amazing face and a look of ‘I am in charge don’t mess with me’,” he said.
“He’s a huge loss. The animal care team is devastated. There was a really strong bond. Gorillas are so closely linked to humans.”
Mr Oosterweghel said the public reaction to Harry's death had been "extraordinary" with than 5,000 people leaving a message on the zoo's Facebook page.
Many people shared a memories and photographs of Harry likening his death to “losing a friend”.
“People have reacted really strongly. Our switchboard received calls from people really really upset and emotional, and explaining they would miss him,” said Mr Oosterweghel.
Dominant male
He said Harry’s role in the troop was very important as a leader and stopping fights as they broke out between the other gorillas.
“Our silverback was pretty special . . . calm gentle and quiet. Some silverbacks can quite tough on the troop but he was reserved and contained.”
Harry had fathered six offspring during his time at the zoo.
Mr Oosterweghel said the zoo would “wait and see” if they would get a replacement silverback in the future.
“We will carefully monitor the troop. At the moment everything is fine and they are continuing to be a very harmonious troop,” he said.
Mr Oosterweghel said the team became worried when Harry became ill six days before he died.
Mr Oosterweghel said when the veterinary surgeons had completed the postmortem, the vets would most likely cremate him.
He said gorillas were considered to have reached “old age” at 35 so the team were keen to find out why Harry died much younger.
“We’re really wondering what happening to him. He’ll be very much missed.”
