Edinburgh Zoo have announced the sad death of their Queensland koala Goonaroo.
The 17-year-old was put to sleep on the advice of veterinary staff after suffering from ‘chronic age-related health issues’ in recent months.
The dad-of-three has been described as “a real character” by devastated keepers who diligently cared for him over the years.
Goonaroo made the headlines in 2013 after fathering the UK’s first ever joey.
In a statement, the zoo said: “Sadly, we have to announce the loss of Goonaroo, one of our Queensland koalas at Edinburgh Zoo.
“At 17-years-old, Goonaroo had been experiencing age-related health problems.
“While he recovered well from an operation to remove his right eye in December, he still had chronic problems with his remaining eye and was not responding to treatment.
“Our dedicated vets and keepers reviewed his overall wellbeing and quality of life and advised he should be put to sleep.
“Goonaroo was a real character who fathered three joeys as part of the international species breeding programme.
“He will be missed by everyone here at the zoo and our thoughts are with all those who cared for him.”
Goonaroo, whose name is Aboriginal for “wood duck”, was born at Duisburg Zoo in Germany and came to Edinburgh Zoo in 2007.
He underwent surgery in December after suffering an injury to his eye.
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