An investigation is under way after the sudden and unexpected death of a beloved gorilla at a popular zoo.
Melbourne Zoo's 20-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla Kimya died on Saturday morning, the zoo said.
Her devastated keepers are trying to come to terms with her unexpected passing, with zoo vets to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Kimya arrived from the Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and quickly bonded with the zoo's 24-year-old male, Otana.
The pair became parents after the birth of daughter Kanzi in 2015 - the first gorilla born at Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.
"Kimya was intelligent, observant and independent," the zoo said in a statement.
"She was a loving mother who gently showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla."
Heartbroken Melbourne Zoo director Sheri Horiszny described Kimya as a wonderful gorilla.
"Our zoo family of staff, members and visitors have watched her over the years and joined in her delight of becoming a mother and raising Kanzi," she said.
"She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her."
