Keepers and staff at Colchester Zoo were today (Friday) mourning the death of Buster the mandrill.

The charismatic and prolific 11-year-old baboon died after a severe twist in his stomach was identified.

He had seemed perfectly well on Sunday night but the following morning was found in great pain and extremely listless.

Attempts to help him failed and the decision was taken to anaesthetise him.

However, during an operation it was realised there would be little which could be done to help Buster in the long term.

He died as the anaesthetic was reversed.

Curator Anthony Tropeano today said: "We are all upset, particularly the keepers who have such close contact with the Mandrills. Buster was a real character."

Buster had been at the award-winning zoo for about six years and fathered seven children.

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