Twycross Zoo was struck by tragedy as vets made the "difficult decision" to euthanise a beloved orangutan.
Kibriah, a female Bornean orangutan, has been under specialist veterinary care for the past few weeks as she began to show signs she was unwell.
The great ape was born at the Leicestershire zoo in 1977 and lived till the age of 44.
She leaves behind two daughters and two sons who were born and bred at Twycross, Leicestershire Live reports.
According to a zoo spokesperson, the average age for Bornean orangutans in the wild is around 35-40 years old.
In a statement released on Twitter, the zoo said: "It is with great sadness to let you know that one of our female Bornean orangutans, Kibriah, passed away today (September 23). Over the last few weeks, Kibriah’s keepers and veterinary team noticed that she was showing signs of being unwell.
"Kibriah had been under specialist veterinary care but given her advanced age and recent health issues the difficult decision to euthanase her was made.
"She was a very important part of the European breeding programme to save the species and has four surviving offspring.
"Theodora (born in 1988 now at Paris JP), Maliku (born in 1994, living here at Twycross Zoo), Tiga (born in 2001 now at Colchester Zoo) and Kayan (born in 2017, living here at Twycross Zoo). 4/6
"She leaves her daughters, 27 year old Maliku and 4 year old Kayan, here at Twycross Zoo with males, 32 year old Batu and 4 year old Basuki.
"In 2015 an extension to the orangutan habitat was built, however, sadly Kibriah wont be able to enjoy the new home planned as part of our 2030 Vision. We will miss you Kibs "
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