The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

[Paula Carino <pcarino AT rcn.com>]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?
type=topNews&storyID=3881586

Bidding Farewell to the World's Only Albino Gorilla 
Mon November 24, 2003 10:06 AM ET 

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain Monday bade farewell to the world's 
only known albino gorilla, Snowflake, a national favorite who 
died after a long struggle with skin cancer. 
The main attraction at Barcelona zoo since he was brought 
there 37 years ago from Equatorial Guinea, Snowflake's fight 
with cancer made front-page news in Spain and brought 
thousands of well-wishers of all ages to see him. 

Jordi Portabella, the zoo's director, told a news conference 
that Snowflake died early Monday after veterinarians decided 
to have the animal put down to avoid further pain. His skin 
cancer was first discovered in 2001. 

Queues stretched for hours outside Snowflake's enclosure in 
the months before his death. But the 310-pound giant, pumped 
full of painkillers and anti-depressants to ease his 
suffering, often preferred to turn his back on onlookers. 

The 40-year-old gorilla, a lover of yogurt, will be cremated 
after DNA and other tests are run on his body. Zoo staff said 
they had no plans to dissect his body out of respect for his 
dignity. 

Despite his gentle name, Snowflake was renowned for his ill 
temper and scowling, wrinkled expression. He fathered more 
than 20 children, appeared on the cover of National 
Geographic magazine, and was a favorite with generations of 
Spanish kids. 

Gorillas, one of mankind's closest relatives, are threatened 
with extinction as their jungle habitat is gradually 
destroyed. Illegal hunting and disease are decimating the 
principal populations of West Africa, according to 
conservationists.