Ulli helped raise Mzuri. Years later, the gorilla recognised her on a zoo visit

When baby Mzuri’s mother Yuska didn’t bond with her newborn, Ulli Weiher stepped in.

It was 40 years ago and Mzuri – the first gorilla to be born from artificial insemination and Melbourne Zoo’s pride and joy – became a superstar, winning hearts across Australia.

Weiher, the zoo’s primate keeper who was seen holding him in many of those early photographs, became a celebrity in her own right.

Marking 50 years in the role, Weiher – who is regarded as zoo royalty – said the spotlight was uncomfortable in those days.

“I used to hate working with the media because it took me away from the animals,” she said.

“But as I matured, I learned that you can use it to your advantage, by telling the public about the plight of animal species, and what’s needed for conservation.”

In a career of highlights, she cherishes the births of six gorillas and seven orangutans, including the rare twins – Bono and Suma – in 1978.

Weiher, a German migrant, said Melbourne Zoo was very different place five decades ago. Many animals were caged. Lions, polar bears and apes had concreted or sparsely grassed enclosures with moats.

Gorillas came to the zoo in 1974 and if a politician wanted a photo taken holding a baby, they got one.

Today, the enclosure for the three gorillas is 10 times the size of the original. It’s greener and the animals are left to their own social groups, with little human contact.

Weiher said she grieved when animals died or were moved to a new zoo for breeding, but she learned to steel herself.

Mzuri himself went to a British zoo when he was nine years old.

“I was really happy that we’d found a home for him,” she said.

When on trips to visit her parents in Europe, Weiher would visit Mzuri at Jersey Zoo. On one such visit, she was watching him from the crowd.

“I took my sunglasses off, and he realised who it was, and jumped up and carried on like crazy,” she said.

Mzuri died in a French zoo in 2017, at the age of 32.

Melbourne Zoo senior manager of animal care and conservation Justine Felix said Weiher’s work – especially with the birth of Mzuri – inspired her to pursue a zookeeping career herself.

“Ulli Weiher is truly royalty at Melbourne Zoo, a legendary figure whose five decades of service leaves an indelible mark on the institution,” Felix said.

“Her unparalleled expertise, particularly in primate care, and her deep commitment to the animals have earned her the admiration and respect of colleagues and visitors alike.”

Weiher said that while she had a dream to travel around Australia, she was not planning retirement yet. “I love this place. My use-by date hasn’t come around,” she said.

“I really, thoroughly enjoy coming to the zoo, working with the animals, educating the public, doing what I can for conservation.

“It’s an exciting job and every day is different.”

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