The death of legendary Vicky at Blackpool Zoo has stunned both visitors and those who worked with the great ape. She was born at the famous zoo in 1984 and went on to give birth two to daughters. Today, the zoo released an album of fun photographs to remember Vicky’s countless happy moments .
Blackpool Zoo director Darren Webster paid tribute to the 34 year old critically endangered Bornean orangutan, a species down to 100,000 in the wild, telling her army of fans: “She was a hugely popular member of our zoo family and was dearly loved by all of our visitors. Staff and keepers are extremely saddened at her passing and are being comforted by the kind messages of condolence we are receiving. Vicky, and her smile, will be missed by all.”
Images released by the zoo chart Vicky’s rise to fame. She was the first orangutan born at the seaside zoo and went on to give birth to daughters Cherie in 1997 and then Summer, five years later.
Four years ago she made headlines when she became the first Bornean orangutan to undergo revolutionary surgery to treat her for a chronic condition known as air sacculitis.
Vicky underwent the surgery to clear her blocked sinuses while she and the rest of her family were staying at Chester Zoo, awaiting the £1million transformation of the Orangutan Outlook attraction at Blackpool.
The operation was a success and Vicky recovered quickly to make a return to her faithful followers at Blackpool Zoo when the new ape house opened in 2014.
Vets have carried out a post mortem on Vicky and are awaiting results. In the wild, orangutan life expectancy is between 35 and 45.
Although Vicky was described as intelligent but with an inclination to be a little bossy, she was loved by visitors and, according to the zoo, her favourite time was “people watching”. She also had a love for yoghurt and was applauded for being a great mother who had made a fantastic job of raising her daughters.
All those who had enjoyed seeing Vicky at the zoo over the years have been speaking about their affection for the great ape. Hundreds of fans left tributes on the zoo’s Facebook page, sympathising with staff and penning some of their cherished memories.
Ian Price wrote: “Sorry to hear of the passing of Vicky, and sincerest wishes to her orange/brown family and all those that cared for her with such dedication.
“She was a brilliant ambassador for her species and shared a lot of joy with people that admired her… I remember her cheeky nature while she stayed at Chester and her attempts to steal the limelight. RIP, Vicks. It has been a pleasure and privilege to have known you over the years and your legacy in Summer and Cherie will live on.”
Another Vicky fan, Angie Hunter said: “She will be missed so much. My heart-felt condolences go out to all staff at the zoo. She was such a sweetheart with her gorgeous smile. RIP, Vicky. I’m so gonna miss our kisses.”