We are heartbroken to announce that the beautiful Cabinda, our oldest DeBrazza monkey - and oldest known DeBrazza in Europe – has passed away.
An amazing, venerable lady, she had reached the grand age of 36 – a phenomenal age for a DeBrazza.
Cabinda was a favourite primate of every keeper, vet, and volunteer that ever worked with her and was full of charisma and vivacious energy, even into old age.
An enduring legacy
Born at Colchester Zoo on the 3rd July 1986, she came to Port Lympne on 11th April 1989 and was paired up with Mr Jorg - who came to be affectionately known as George. They went on to have 12 children together, three of which still live at the zoo. One of them, Dora, has had four youngsters herself. In total, Cabinda had 12 children, 53 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 20 great great-grandchildren.
Cabinda celebrated her final birthday in style this summer with all her favourite foods: corn on the cob, spinach, and a tiny bit of malt loaf. She had recently moved into a retirement enclosure with another elderly lady De Brazza, Bertha (28), our second-oldest De Brazza. They got on swimmingly, chatting and happily grooming each other.
Cabinda leaves an enduring legacy here at Port Lympne and she will be missed immensely.
