Britain’s oldest silverback gorilla – who became a star of children’s TV – has died aged 42.
Pertinax was put to sleep at Paignton Zoo, Devon, on Tuesday after failing to respond to treatment for an underlying illness.
The zoo said Pertinax, a western lowland gorilla, had been a ‘beloved’ member of the family and among supports and visitors since his arrival 27 years ago.
Pertinax was renowned as a celebrity figure too – having inspired books and even starred as Hank in CBBC’s ‘The Zoo’.
The mockumentary, narrated by Hugh Dennis, followed the daily life of animals at Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts – but they were comically given human voices and computer-generated mouths.
Pertinax played Hank – the oldest of the four gorillas who liked to stay out of the drama. There were two series of ‘The Zoo’ between August 2017 and April 2018.
Zoo keepers at Paignton Zoo, along with the dedicated veterinary team, were with Pertinax when he passed away on Tuesday.
Paignton Zoo said Pertinax first arrived at their doors in 1997 – and ‘quickly became a fan favourite in the community’.
In a statement the zoo said: ‘We knew immediately that he was special, thanks to his calm yet somewhat cheeky personality.
‘In 2006, he was joined by our three younger males; Kiondu, Kivu and N’Dowe.
‘Pertinax took on the role of a father figure, raising the three juveniles into the gentle, sociable silverbacks that they are today.
‘Since his arrival 27 years ago, Pertinax had become something of a celebrity, inspiring books and even starring as Hank in CBBC’s ‘The Zoo’.
‘His legacy extends beyond our zoo, touching the hearts of fans across the country.
‘We feel incredibly privileged to have cared for Pertinax for nearly three decades.
‘He was truly one of a kind and his loss will be felt deeply by our community, especially by his keepers who knew him best.
‘We humbly ask for your support and kindness during this difficult time.’