Pattycake, the first ever gorilla born in New York, has died of a heart attack aged 40, reports the Daily Mail.
The long-term resident of the Bronx Zoo was a much-loved favourite in the city.
Jim Breheny, director of the zoo, said: "Millions of children in New York City grew up with Pattycake at the Bronx Zoo.
"Pattycake was a very special animal and her presence will be deeply missed," reports Associated Press.
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She was born in the Central Park Zoo on Sept. 3, 1972 to parents Kongo and Lulu.
Pattycake has 10 offspring who live in zoos across America.
The average lifespan of gorillas is 37 years.