SPAIN: Spain is mourning the passing of the world's only known albino gorilla, Snowflake (Copito de Nieve), a national favourite who has died after a long struggle with painful skin cancer.
The main attraction at Barcelona zoo since he was brought there 37 years ago from Equatorial Guinea, Snowflake's fight with cancer made front- page news in Spain and brought thousands of well-wishers of all ages to see him.
Jordi Portabella, the zoo's director, told a news conference that Snowflake died early yesterday after veterinarians decided to have the animal put down to avoid further pain. His skin cancer was first discovered in 2001.
The 40-year-old gorilla, a lover of yoghurt, will be cremated after DNA and other tests are run on his body.
Zoo staff said they had no plans to dissect his body out of respect for his dignity.
Despite his gentle name, Snowflake was renowned for his ill temper and scowling, wrinkled expression.
He fathered more than 20 children, appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine, and was a favourite with generations of Spanish children.