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Dublin Zoo mourns weekend deaths of two ‘adored’ animals
Dublin Zoo has announced the deaths of two “adored” animals who sadly died on the same day over the weekend.
Avani, and eight-year-old female Asian elephant, and Riona, a 28-year-old Bornean orangutan, both died overnight on Sunday. Both animals died of unrelated illnesses with zoo chiefs now awaiting post mortem results.
Devastated zoo bosses shared the sad news this afternoon and paid tribute to both animals. They said in a statement: ” Dublin Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Avani, an 8-year-old female Asian elephant and Riona, a 28-year-old Bornean orangutan.
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“Both beloved animals passed away overnight on June 30th, 2024, from unrelated illnesses and we are currently awaiting the results of post-mortem reports.
“The entire Dublin Zoo team is devastated by this loss. Avani was an integral part of the Asian elephant herd at Dublin Zoo and was adored by the animal care team who worked with her.
“Riona, who was born to parents Leonie and Sibu in 1996, was a very clever and gentle orangutan. She will be greatly missed by the generations of Dublin Zoo keepers who cared for her over the past 28 years.”
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