Oldest gorilla in captivity dies

ERIE, Pa., March 9 (UPI) -- Rudy, the world's oldest gorilla in captivity died in Erie, Pa., at age 49.

Keepers at the Erie Zoo found Rudy's body early Tuesday in an area of his habitat favored for its views of passing visitors, the Erie Times-News reported Wednesday.

"It's as tough of a day as we've ever had here. There wasn't a dry eye this morning," said zoo spokesman Scott Mitchell, who helped remove Rudy's body.

Rudy had lived at the zoo for 18 years.