Staff at Jersey Zoo are recalling fond memories of Nettie the Sumatran orangutan, following her death at the age of 43.
The difficult decision was made on Monday to euthanise her, after noticing a sharp decline in her wellbeing in recent weeks.
She was struggling to move, eat, and interact with the other orangutans.
Mark Habben, Director of Zoo Operations, said:
"Whilst emotionally it's extremely difficult, it's always going to be very difficult when you work so closely with such a charismatic animal like Nettie, a huge ambassador for her species, but looking at the evidence, it took away any doubt.
"We were able to make a very informed decision rationally with the keepers, with the vets, and sit down and think this is the right time.
"She was here for 15 years, she was born in Germany, she's had an incredible life here. She gave birth to Jantho, she was a brilliant mother and many of our keepers enjoyed working so closely with her.
"She was extremely intelligent, she was very smart, you had to win her trust when you were working with her! She didn't give a great deal away, she was a real character!
"What she did enjoy as well, a lot, was watching people. She was a people-watcher and very inquisitive, so if we were doing work in the area, she'd want to know exactly what was going on, she was always there.
"So many people have shared their stories about Nettie. Staff, visitors, members, it's been really lovely and just really nice for the staff to be able to read so many comments."
The orangutan enclosure was closed following Nettie's death, to give time for the orangutans to adjust, but it's set to reopen today (23 September).
Mr Hebben added:
"It's quite important that the animals get back into a routine. They had their chance to grieve and try to process what has been happening, but for them, its business as usual and for the staff as well, I think it's quite helpful, and we like seeing people around the orangutan enclosure.
"We've been talking to visitors, we've had a lot of support and interest and lots of people sharing their stories about her, which has been wonderful."
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