Readers' tributes after death of Chester Zoo jaguar Goshi

Female jaguar Goshi, aged nine, had been a firm favourite with zoo visitors at the Spirit of the Jaguar enclosure with male jaguar Napo.

After sharing the news on our Facebook page, more than 35,000 people reacted to the news and left more than 1,000 comments saying goodbye to the much-loved animal.

Rosemary Holland said: “Beautiful animal. I remember standing next to the glass enclosure and she just slicked past me, absolutely awe-inspiring, a truly wonderful and breathtaking animal.”

Lilias Waring added: “RIP Goshi, condolences to the keepers who looked after you, sorry for your loss.”

Picture from Kelly Mizler on the Northwich Guardian Facebook page

Moira McGraw posted: “That is so tragic, as they are extremely rare. I’m sure Chester Zoo keepers would all do their best for her. It’s such a lovely place for these animals to be if they can’t have the option to live in the wild.”

Meanwhile, Donna Walton said: “How sad to see Goshi has gone over the rainbow bridge. I hope she wasn’t in any pain.”

Phyllis Bradshaw added: "RIP Goshi, fly high over rainbow bridge."

A Chester Zoo spokesperson explained: "It’s with a huge amount of sadness that we can confirm the death of female jaguar, Goshi, who passed away suddenly overnight on Tuesday (March 1, 2022).

Picture from Claire Marcus on the Northwich Guardian Facebook page

"The news has come as a shock to all those who have cared for her since she arrived at the zoo back in 2013 and an investigative post-mortem will be carried out to try to help us to establish exactly what happened.

"Goshi, who was nearly 10 years old, was a firm favourite with visitors, members and staff alike, with many often left in awe by her striking appearance and graceful presence. She will be dearly missed by everyone.

"Male jaguar, Napo, remains in good health and our expert carnivore team will, of course, continue to monitor him closely."