Bronx Zoo Gorilla Dies: Pattycake, First New-York Born Gorilla, Lived To 40

It is a mourning day in New York City. Pattycake, the first gorilla born in the city, died Sunday at age 40.

The beloved primate had been under medical care for chronic cardiac issues. The exact cause of death is unknown.

"Pattycake was a very special animal and her presence will be deeply missed," said Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo. "Millions of children in New York City grew up with her at the Bronx Zoo."

Pattycake was born at the Central Park Zoo on Sept. 13, 1972, and lived there with her parents Kongo and Lulu until she was 11. She made news when she was 5 months old, when she recovered from a broken arm.

She had 10 children, who live in zoos in Boston, Detroit and Louisville.

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the zoo, said she was the 31st oldest gorilla of 338 living in North American zoos. She surpassed the median life span for gorillas in captivity, which is 37 years old.