SYDNEY, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Vets at the Melbourne Zoo have commenced an investigation into the sudden death of a 20-year-old female gorilla.

The zoo said in a statement that Kimya, a western lowland gorilla, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning, leaving staff "devastated."

"Melbourne zoo members, visitors, volunteers, and staff -- especially Kimya's dedicated keeper team, many of whom have cared for her since her arrival -- will deeply feel this loss," it said.

Vets will undertake a full necropsy to determine the cause of death, the zoo said.

Kimya arrived at the Melbourne Zoo, Sydney, in 2013 from the Taronga Zoo where she was born.

In 2015 she gave birth to Kanzi, the first gorilla born at the Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.

The western lowland gorilla is critically endangered. In captivity, they can live for over 50 years. Enditem

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