Second gorilla dies in captivity 24 hours after Harambe was shot dead

Troop leader: Harry died following a short illness
Dublin Zoo
Hannah Al-Othman31 May 2016

A second gorilla has died in captivity within 24 hours of silverback Harambe being shot dead in a US zoo.

The 29-year-old gorilla, named Harry, is believed to have died from natural causes when he passed away yesterday morning.

The child was dragged around the pen after falling into the moat of the Gorilla World area, prompting the zoo’s dangerous animal response team to shoot and killed the 180kg male gorilla.

The decision sparked a backlash from animal-lovers around the world, with many claiming the gorilla was protecting the child.

Harry, who had fathered six children and was the leader of Dublin Zoo's gorilla troop, died after taking ill.

The Western lowland 'silverback' was described by keepers as "gentle and calm."

Killed: 17-year-old gorilla Harambe was shot after he dragged the child around his enclosure (Reuters/Cincinnati Zoo)
Cincinnati Zoo/Reuters

In a Facebook post, the zoo said: "Some very sad news from Dublin Zoo.

"After a short illness, Harry, the Western lowland gorilla at Dublin Zoo, died yesterday morning 29th May.

"Harry, the ‘silverback’, was the leader of Dublin Zoo’s gorilla troop. Harry was 29 years old and during his time at the Zoo he fathered 6 offspring.

"Harry was a very gentle and calm gorilla and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Dublin Zoo.

"The exact reason for Harry’s death is still unknown and Dublin Zoo is awaiting the final results of a postmortem."

Since the news was broken online, regulars have paid tribute to zoo favourite Harry.

Jill Palluel wrote: "What a great animal he was, Dublin Zoo will never be quite the same."

Triona Ryan Taheny added: "Aww!!Genuinely very sad reading this.Harry has been our family's fav in the zoo for years.

"We've spent so many hours just sitting watching him, and he's given our kids so many giggles over the years. Poor Harry! Condolences to all at Dublin Zoo."

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