Melbourne Zoo is investigating the sudden and unexpected death of its 20-year-old gorilla Kimya.

The zoo in a statement said it was devastated to announce the Western Lowland Gorilla had died this morning.

“Kimya passed away unexpectedly this morning, and vets are undertaking a necropsy to determine the cause of death,” a spokesperson said.

Kimya arrived at Melbourne Zoo from Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and quickly bonded with a 24-year-old male gorilla named Otana.

The pair became parents to Kanzi in 2015, marking the first gorilla born at Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.

Zoo staff described Kimya as an “intelligent, observant and independent” animal.

“She was a loving mother, who gently showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla, whilst reminding visitors of the plight facing her species in the wild through campaigns such as They’re Calling On You,” the zoo said.

”A firm favourite of members and visitors to Melbourne Zoo, our thoughts are with the whole team, and in particular her dedicated keepers, many of whom worked with Kimya for over a decade.”