Lively Mirella, the female chimpanzee at the century-old Mysuru zoo, who was a favourite with visitors, particularly children, died here on Monday.
The 26-year-old primate’s death has puzzled the zoo management, since according to sources, she was doing well till Sunday.
Mirella was brought to Mysuru from a zoo in Sweden in 1994.
The young primate was very receptive to visitors and responded to their calls.
“The cause of death is not known. Mirella died at 10 a.m.,” said Chief Conservator of Forests and Zoo Executive Director B.P. Ravi.
Mirella was one of the major attractions of the zoo, making pranks in her peerless style. The zoo fraternity is mourning her loss. The authorities paid their last respects by placing a wreath on the carcass.
Mr. Ravi told The Hindu : “I cannot comment at this stage on the cause of death until I get the post-mortem report. I had asked an independent team of government veterinary officers to conduct the post-mortem, which has been completed. I’m awaiting the report.”
With Mirella’s death, the zoo is left with five chimpanzees — Guru, Ganga, Mason, Kimoni and Nkosi. Kimoni and Nkosi came from the Singapore zoo under an exchange programme.
Incidentally, Wali, a male chimp, who was another star attraction at the zoo, died two years ago. Wali (52), born in Mysuru zoo on December 1, 1962, to Max and Meena, died because of age-related problems.
Wali had enthralled zoo visitors for nearly five decades.
Published - June 30, 2015 12:00 am IST
