AN IRISH zoo has confirmed the death of an endangered chimpanzee from a “probable heart attack” just three weeks after arrival at the Cave Hill site.
Tombe, who had previously been welcomed to Belfast Zoo with his companion, Tomba, passed away on March 28.
The chimpanzee arrived in Belfast on March 4 alongside his companion and Colchester Zoo’s family of five Bush Dogs as part of a coordinated European-wide conservation programme.
Tombe was in Colchester Zoo’s care for 28 years before moving to Belfast Zoo.
In a statement, Belfast Zoo said they are “heartbroken,” adding that Tombe will be “deeply missed” by his keepers and everyone who cared for him.
They added: “We are saddened to share that Tombe, one of our male chimpanzees, passed away on 28 March 2025.
“Initial findings suggest a probable heart attack, but we are awaiting full postmortem results.
“While his time with us was short, he was settling in well, and we are pleased to share that Tumba has integrated into the wider chimpanzee troop, where he is thriving.”
Belfast Zoo continued: “Our team continues to closely monitor the troop to ensure their well-being and support Tumba’s ongoing transition.
“Belfast Zoo has a long history of caring for chimpanzees and remains committed to the conservation and welfare of this endangered species.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the team at Colchester Zoo, who cared for Tombe for 28 years and to our veterinary and animal care teams for their dedication throughout his transition.”
The local community were left heartbroken by Tombe’s death, taking to social media to express their “sadness” over his loss.
‘DIED OF A BROKEN HEART’
One said: “Awwww this is just so sad. And to think that Tombe more than likely died of a broken heart.”
Another added: “Tombe and Tumba were my favourite chimps at Colchester. Absolutely devastating news.”
A third one said: “So sorry to hear this. We were at the Zoo on Sunday 30th so we never got to meet him. So sad.”
A fourth wrote: “So heartbroken to see this. he was such a big character. I hope Tumba is okay.”
FURTHER CONCERNS
Belfast City Councillors last year raised concerns after a Freedom of Information request by Belfast Live found that 40 animals died at Belfast Zoo between January 2023 and March 2024.
Four Gentoo penguins died between August 31, 2023, and September 13, 2023.
Three of these deaths were attributed to Septicaemia. This severe bloodstream infection can lead to sepsis and necrotic enteritis, which is caused by an intestinal overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens Type A and C in young broilers and sometimes laying hens.
Other deaths included a Capybara that was euthanised for age-related reasons after developing a mouth abscess and another Capybara that drowned.
DUBLIN ZOO FINAL UPDATE
Dublin Zoo has also confirmed that all Asian elephants in their herd are now healthy, following an outbreak of EEHV during the summer last year.
The latest update comes following an “incredibly difficult period” that saw the attraction confirm the “heartbreaking deaths” of two younger elephants due to the disease.
EEHV is a “very common” virus that causes fatal hemorrhagic disease, particularly in young Asian elephants, both in the wild and in zoos.
It often lies latent in elephants and can be triggered without warning, as the virus is carried asymptomatically by many.
Asha, 17, and Samiya, 10, both tested positive for the virus in July following the deaths of eight-year-old Avani and seven-year-old Zinda.
Dina, the 40-year-old matriarch of the herd, also tested positive, but because of her age, she was not considered at high risk for serious illness.
‘INCREDIBLE EFFORTS’
Dublin Zoo confirmed that all three elephants have now recovered and are “no longer at risk” from EEHV thanks to the “incredible efforts” of the animal care and veterinary teams.
A spokesperson for Dublin Zoo said: “Everyone involved worked tirelessly during the most critical and challenging days of this emergency, regularly consulting with international experts in elephant health and virology.
“Given the seriousness of EEHV, Dublin Zoo animal care and veterinary teams worked round the clock, spending hundreds of hours on site during the crisis.
“As just one example of the team’s commitment and unwavering care that played a massive role in the elephant’s recovery, vet Niamh McGill was just back from maternity leave and had her husband bring their baby to the Zoo so she could breastfeed him while caring for the elephants.”
Tombe has passed away on March 28[/caption]
