Chester Zoo announces death of Martha, 59, who arrived in 1966 and was key in orangutan conservation

Chester Zoo has announced the death of an almost 60-year-old orangutan who arrived at the zoo way back in 1966.

Martha, nicknamed "the grand old lady of Chester Zoo, lived well beyond the usual life expectancy for an orangutan, around 40, and was important in the zoo's global conservation breeding programme.

This week, aged an estimate 59 years old, Martha was put to sleep after her condition deteriorated following age-related complications she developed in the last few months.

Chester Zoo's Chris Yarwood, who cared for Martha for more than 26 years, said: "There really aren’t enough words to convey the awe and respect that I have for Martha, the grand old lady of Chester Zoo, and it feels incredibly strange to have to say goodbye. A wonderful mother and role model to her daughters Sarikei and Leia, Martha was a true ambassador for her species and fundamental to the establishment of the global conservation breeding programme, working to protect these charismatic, but sadly highly threatened animals. Caring for Martha has been a huge privilege. She’ll be hugely missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts."