Mzuri dies in France: First gorilla born in Australia at Melbourne Zoo

MELBOURNE is mourning the death of its most famous gorilla Mzuri who died aged 33 in a French zoo. PICTURES: See Mzuri growing up.

MELBOURNE is mourning the death of its most famous gorilla Mzuri who died in a French zoo.

Mzuri was the first gorilla born in Australia on 3 June, 1984, making international headlines for being the first gorilla in the world to be born from artificial insemination.

A Melbourne Zoo spokesperson confirmed Mzuri died from cardiac arrest under general anaesthetic.

Mzuri’s mum Yuska is still at Melbourne Zoo, but his dad Rigo died in July 2013.

“Everyone who worked with Mzuri over the years found him to be loveable, intelligent, and affectionate,” a statement released by the Melbourne Zoo read.

“It was a sad day for Zoo staff and many others in Melbourne when Mzuri departed in June 1993 to become the leader of the gorilla group at the renowned Jersey Zoo.”

After Mzuri stopped breeding in Jersey, he was moved to France to join a bachelor group of gorillas.

“Many Zoo staff, volunteers, members, and frequent visitors will have wonderful memories of such a special individual,” the statement read.

MZURI GROWING UP IN PICTURES

Mzuri the gorilla shortly after he born at Melbourne Zoo on June 3, 1984.

Mzuri as baby in 1984.

Mzuri shows his first teeth in 1985.

Mzuri after catching his fingers in a Melbourne Zoo nursery door in 1986.

Carla Philpott, 6, of Croydon Primary School, receives a kiss on the hand from Mzuri after giving him a present for his second birthday in 1986.

Mzuri celebrates his second birthday in 1986.

Keeper Ulli Weiher with Mzuri and his mother Yuska in 1986.

Mzuri on his third birthday.

Mzuri the gorilla getting the hang of his hammock, a third birthday present, at Melbourne Zoo

Mzuri likes his hammock.

Mzuri with his arm in plaster after his mother, Yuska, bit him during the night in 1988

Mzuri with his fifth birthday gift — a basketball.

Mzuri and his keeper play basketball.

That’s surely a foul! Mzuri plays basketball with Ulli Weiher at Melbourne Zoo.

Mzuri smells a flower.

Mzuri the gorilla at Melbourne Zoo in 1990.

Mzuri, Melbourne's favourite gorilla grown up.