‘We loved visiting her' – Dublin Zoo confirm ‘cherished' Orangutan, 44, has died as tributes pour for ‘quirky matriarch'
DUBLIN Zoo has announced the sad passing of a "cherished" 44-year-old Orangutan matriarch.
Bornean primate Leonie arrived at
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But after more than 40 years in the enclosure, the gentle giant passed away today.
Dublin Zoo has not confirmed a cause of death for the "gentle soul" and "guiding matriarch" who "touched the hearts of everyone who met her".
Dublin Zoo team leader Ciarán McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, told how it's "hard to put into words" what Leonie meant to people at the zoo.
He said: "Leonie and her mate Sibu arrived from
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"I had the privilege of watching her grow from a young adolescent into an extraordinary mother.
"She was incredibly intelligent, gentle, and wise.
"While she was loving towards all our keepers, she was known for having a soft spot for the male staff – a bit of a flirt, we used to say!
"Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour.
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"Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie's abilities were exceptional."
Dublin Zoo Mourns Beloved Animals
And the zookeeper told how Leonie's nurturing nature was just s impressive.
He said: "She mothered not only her own young but helped raise others in the troop with immense care and patience.
"She brought a sense of calm, comfort and quiet strength to the group.
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"One moment that stays with me is how she instinctively stepped in to care for a young Mujur, when she needed a surrogate mother. Their bond remained incredibly strong ever since."
FAMOUS FRINGE
Ciarán described Leonie as a character, "calm, confident and adored by visitors and keepers alike".
He added: "And then there was her famous fringe.
"Every morning, she would sit and groom it with the utmost care before she went about her day – a little ritual that made everyone love her even more."
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Heartbroken visitors to the zoo rushed to the comments to share happy memories of the Orangutan.
FOND MEMORIES
One person said: "Beautiful Leonie, she will be missed by all her visitors.I remember bringing my own children when they were small. A privilege and a pleasure to visit her.
'To all staff and especially Leonie's keepers & carers sending heartfelt condolences."
Someone else commented: "Aw I'm so sorry, she was beautiful. We loved visiting her in December. Swing free."
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A third put in: "Thinking of you all Dublin Zoo , a beautiful animal grown up with my kids we enjoyed together on many a visit . . rest in peace beautiful girl."
A fourth penned: "So sorry to hear, rest in peace Leonie, precious memories through the years seeing you."
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Bornean orangutan Leonie was 44 years old
Credit: dublinzoo
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