‘The most difficult decision to make’: Tributes flood in after much-loved Edinburgh Zoo koala is put to sleep

Heartfelt tributes have poured in after Edinburgh Zoo confirmed that a beloved koala has passed away.

In a post on social media, the zoo explained that Queensland koala Alinga had been experiencing health problems, forcing vets to put her to sleep.

Heartbroken zookeepers said the hugely popular mum-of-four, who arrived in 2013, “will be greatly missed”.

Edinburgh Zoo said in a statement: “We're sad to announce the loss of our Queensland koala Alinga who had been experiencing age related health problems.

“Taking into account her quality of life and wellbeing, our vets and animal keepers advised that Alinga should be put to sleep to ensure she did not suffer.

“Alinga raised four joeys since arriving at Edinburgh Zoo in 2013 and was an amazing mother, recently becoming a grandmother for the first time when her eldest daughter, Kalari, gave birth last year.

“She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with everyone who cared for her.”

Reacting to the sad news on Twitter, Alyson Basehore wrote: “That is truly the most difficult decision to make. Thank you for your care and conservation efforts. Blessings to your staff.”

Edinburgh Zoo have said Alinga has sadly passed away. Photo: Edinburgh Zoo.

Mandy Milne commented: “Sleep easy Alinga, my daughter and I loved visiting you.”

On Facebook, Marcia Mason wrote: “So sad to hear the news. I thoroughly loved watching her on the webcam.”

Natasha Balletta said: “So sorry and sad to hear about Alinga – she was a beautiful koala.”

Robyn Danie said: “I'm really heartbroken to read this. I always enjoyed seeing Alinga and how she was as a mum to Kalari and then her youngest. Hope the team at the zoo are doing okay.”

Anita Jubb commented: “Sorry to hear of Alinga passing away. I used to visit every year before recent times. She was in the first habitat as you walk into the koala area and always had her eyes open when I visited.”

Julie Violet wrote: “That’s such sad news. My granddaughter loves watching the koalas on the cam so much that we adopted them for her during lockdown last year.”

Lorraine Fleming said: “So sorry to read this. My son, Robert, loves visiting the koalas so he will be heartbroken to hear of Alinga's passing.”

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