'We will miss her': Much loved Dudley Zoo chimpanzee, Barbie, dies unexpectedly aged 47

Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC), Dudley, officials have announced the sad death of their 47-year-old chimpanzee, Barbie, who died unexpectedly. 

Keepers at Dudley Zoo and Castle arrived at the chimpanzee enclosure on Wednesday, where, sadly, they discovered Barbie, who had passed away overnight.

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Barbie was the third oldest female in their all-female group, and had arrived at DZC in 1998.

She leaves behind her two daughters, Binti, 34, and Banika, 30, as well as her older sister, Mandy. 

A Dudley Zoo and Castle spokesperson said: "Our dedicated team will miss her greatly and we will continue to closely monitor our remaining six chimpanzees as they take their time to grieve her loss."

Due to the nature of Barbie's death, DZC have said that a full post-mortem will be carried out 'in due course'.

Dudley Zoo and Castle have been approached for more information.