Melbourne Zoo has had a day to forget after a beloved orangutan was euthanized hours after visitors were evacuated over fears a baboon had escaped its enclosure.
Kiani, the 45-year-old Sumatran orangutan, was euthanized by veterinarians on Wednesday after her health deteriorated in recent weeks due to age-related conditions, having exceeded the average life expectancy of about 40 years.
She had spent her entire life in the zoo and was known for her calm and curious nature.
There are now only two of the critically endangered species left at Melbourne Zoo, including Kiani's 33-year-old daughter Gabby.
Hours before her caregivers made the difficult decision to put her to sleep, visitors were evacuated or locked down when an emergency alarm went off in the afternoon.
Melbourne Zoo has announced the death of 45-year-old orangutan, Kiani (pictured), just hours after the zoo went into lockdown following fears a baboon was on the loose
On social media, Melbourne Zoo said the orangutan was “admired by all who had the privilege of meeting her.”
“Staff, zoo members and visitors will have fond memories of Kiani that span the past forty years.”
'Kiani loved interacting with visitors, paying special attention to men with beards and mothers nursing their babies.
“While we are deeply saddened by her loss, we are comforted knowing that she is at peace and not in pain. Vale Kiani.'
The announcement came as a shock to 'devastated and heartbroken' visitors who only saw her on Monday.
“I will miss showing her pictures on the back of my camera, I'm so glad I got to spend some time with her last Saturday,” one Facebook user said.
'What a beautiful orangutan you were, my heart goes out to all the staff who loved her. She was the best and I enjoyed seeing her when I visited,” wrote a second.
“I remember what exciting news it was when Kiani was born at Melbourne Zoo and she was so graceful during her visit. Kiani will be deeply missed,” a third wrote.
Kiani's caretakers made the difficult decision to euthanize her after her health deteriorated due to age-related conditions, having exceeded the species' average lifespan of 40 years
Melbourne Zoo (pictured) announced its 10-minute lockdown alarm was wrongly triggered because there was 'no emergency'
As visitors mourned Kiani's death on social media, other users at the zoo revealed the tourist attraction had been locked down after an emergency alarm was sounded.
Patrons were forced to evacuate to the zoo's main entrance, fearing a baboon was on the loose.
Although the primate is not known to be violent towards humans, they can attack if antagonized or if someone is holding food.
The creatures, which are three times as strong as the average human, can also cause serious damage because they are armed with sharp teeth and claws.
However, in a statement about the alarm, Melbourne Zoo revealed the 10-minute closure was caused by a false alarm.
“There was no emergency situation and visitors could continue to enjoy their visit to the zoo,” the statement read.
The zoo's procedures require staff to “immediately implement emergency procedures while the situation is assessed.”
An investigation into how the alarm will be implemented by Melbourne Zoo.