Chester Zoo has announced that their beloved Bornean orangutan, Martha, has sadly died at the age of 59.
One of the longest-running residents of the UK’s leading charity zoo, Martha had been in good health for the majority of her nearly 60 years on earth, but within the last few years, she sadly began to develop and suffer from some age-related complications.
Vets and primate experts at Chester Zoo had been helping her with daily medication and intensive geriatric care, which including innovative laser treatment for her arthritis – but sadly, following a deterioration to her condition in recent months, the decision was made to put her to sleep.
Chester Zoo says the decision was an “extremely tough” one, and her death has been announced with “a very heavy heart”.
Martha’s story is truly an incredible one.
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Chester Zoo’s beloved Bornean orangutan, Martha, has sadly died aged 59 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Orphaned as a baby, Martha had to be raised in care by Barbara Harrison – who was an early pioneering orangutan conservationist, who helped to set up the first orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo – before she moved to Chester in 1966, where she went on to become a hugely-influential part of the international conservation breeding programme that works to ensure a safety-net population of Bornean orangutans.
At an estimated 59 years, she lived well beyond her typical life expectancy – which, in the wild, is estimated to be around 40 years.
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Martha was a great great-grandmother, having had two daughters – Sarikei and Leia – who she lived with at Chester Zoo, alongside her daughters’ own offspring, Dot, and a young female born in September 2023.
The zoo has paid a touching tribute to their “grand old lady” / Credit: Chester Zoo
“There really aren’t enough words to convey the awe and respect that I have for Martha, the grand old lady of Chester Zoo,” Chris Yarwood, who is the Primate Assistant Manager and long-time carer for Martha of more than 26 years, said in a touching tribute.
“It feels incredibly strange to have to say goodbye.
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“A wonderful mother and role model to her daughters, Sarikei and Leia, Martha was a true ambassador for her species, and fundamental to the establishment of the global conservation breeding programme, working to protect these charismatic, but sadly highly threatened animals.”
Mr Yarwood said getting to care for Martha for close to three decades had been “a huge privilege”, and said she’ll be “hugely missed”.
“She will always hold a special place in our hearts,” he concluded.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Murder investigation launched as man dies two years after ‘life-changing’ Oldham attack
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was attacked two years ago in Oldham.
Ramon Logan was left seriously injured following the assault, which took place in Oldham back in July 2024, resulting in life-changing injuries, and a man was even jailed following the attack while Ramon continued to fight for his life.
Sadly, Ramon died on 30 June at the age of 42.
A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and further reviews are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Following this and further enquiries that have been carried out, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Speaking as the murder investigation has been launched, Detective Inspector Andy Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We know how difficult and painful the last two years have been for Ramon’s family, and we are continuing to support them following his death last week.
“We have now launched a murder investigation, and are keeping his family updated as we progress our enquiries. We are assessing all available material and will be making further reviews in due course.”
Ramon’s wife, Charlotte, has also paid tribute to him: “It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my beautiful husband, Ray Logan, on 30th June. Ray was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.
“Ray was a part of so many people’s lives, and as much as we all have our existing memories to remember him by, it is heart-breaking that we won’t get to make any new ones.
“Ray never stopped fighting to get better for the last two years, all we can wish for now is that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
Emily Sergeant -
19th January 2024 
