Drusillas Park, a zoo near Alfriston, announced that Moteck, a Sulawesi crested black macaque, has died.
Moteck reached the remarkable age of nearly 23, beyond the typical life expectancy for his species.
He joined the Drusillas family in 2010 after travelling from Monkey Park in Israel and “quickly became an unforgettable presence”.
“Over the past 15 years, he made a lasting impact on both our visitors and the dedicated keepers who cared for him, leaving behind countless fond memories,” Drusillas said in a statement.
“Even in his later years, he carried himself with a majestic, statesman-like air, whether he was enjoying the sunshine or tucking into his favourite snacks.”
Moteck, Drusillas’ male Sulawesi crested black macaque (Image: Drusillas)
He formed a strong bond with all the team who worked with him – including head keeper Gemma Romanis and Zoo Manager, Mark kenward, who said: “Having worked with Moteck from the day he arrived, from letting him out of his transport crate from Israel to watching him grow into the superb alpha male he became, it is going to be hard not seeing him every day. He leaves some big footprints to fill.”
He fathered little Elsie, who was born at the zoo this January. The birth represented a crucial boost for the at-risk species. Sulawesi black crested macaques are categorised as critically endangered in the wild and are one of over 20 different endangered and rare species living at the zoo.
As one of the most genetically significant males of his species in Europe, Moteck made an invaluable contribution to the preservation of Sulawesi crested black macaques, helping to strengthen conservation efforts for this critically endangered primate.