Latest news with #CiaránMcMahon
Irish Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin Zoo announce death of 'iconic and much-loved' 44-year-old orangutan
Dublin Zoo has announced the death of 44-year-old Northwest Bornean orangutan Leonie. Staff and management at the zoo said they were 'deeply saddened' to announce the loss of the "much-loved" female Northwest Bornean who was "an iconic presence since her arrival from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984". Leonie "was at the heart of our orangutan family for four decades," the zoo said, and "not only a cornerstone of our orangutan group but, in many ways, the quiet and quirky matriarch of Dublin Zoo." Leonie was a Northwest Bornean orangutan, a critically endangered species. The current population estimate for this species is approximately 104,700. This number is anticipated to decline to 47,000 individuals by 2025. Dublin Zoo team leader Ciarán McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, penned a moving tribute to the beloved orangutan as he reflected on her remarkable life and enduring impact. "I had the privilege of watching her grow from a young adolescent into an extraordinary mother," he wrote. "Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour. Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie's abilities were exceptional. "Her nurturing nature was just as impressive. 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." Ciaran continued: "Her passing leaves a space that's hard to describe. Leonie taught us more than we could ever teach her. "She offered us an extraordinary insight into the intelligence and complexity of orangutans while always retaining her dignity and independence within the group. "Perhaps her greatest legacy will be the generations of keepers who carry her lessons forward—in caregiving, in leadership, and in compassion. Her story reminds us of what we're fighting for. "Leonie inspired millions to care about the survival of her species. We miss her already. And always will."
RTÉ News
24-04-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Orangutan who was 'quiet matriarch' of Dublin Zoo dies
Dublin Zoo has announced the death of its "much-loved" female Northwest Borean orangutan. It said that Leonie was "an iconic presence since her arrival from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984". The 44-year-old "was at the heart of our orangutan family for four decades," the zoo added. Team leader Ciarán McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, described her as "the quiet and quirky matriarch of Dublin Zoo". She "was a character" who was "calm, confident, and adored by visitors and keepers alike," he said. "Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour. Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie's abilities were exceptional. "While she was loving towards all our keepers, she was known for having a soft spot for the male staff. "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. "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," Mr McMahon added. He said that, in recent months, Leonie's health declined due to age-related issues affecting her heart and breathing. "Despite expert care, including consultation with human cardiac specialists, her condition worsened. With heavy hearts, we made the decision to let her go peacefully." Her death follows the loss of her mate Sibu last year.
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘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 Advertisement 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 Advertisement Read more in News "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. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "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. Advertisement "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." Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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." 1 Bornean orangutan Leonie was 44 years old Credit: dublinzoo
