The death of a great ape – and the photo that marks his sad passing

The country was in shock yesterday when Dublin Zoo took to Facebook with some tragic news.

Their beloved silverback male gorilla, Harry, had died aged just 29.

Zoo workers and visitors have been revealing their memories of the ape in the aftermath – and now one Dublin photographer has also shared one remarkably touching moment.

Anthony Lynch posted on his Facebook page a snap which seems to show a large gorilla head 'kissing' the famed Phoenix Park obelisk.

In a message with has now garnered some 25,000 reactions, the photographer wrote: "I was sitting in my car waiting for the sun to set behind the Phoenix monument and looking through fb when I seen that Harry the gorilla had died after years in Dublin Zoo which I happened to be outside."

"Maybe I'm staring at the sun too long but does anyone else see a gorilla kissing goodbye to the phoenix park monument?"

Many fans were in agreement – with the incredible snap currently doing the rounds on social media.

The exact cause of Harry's death is still unknown, but Dublin Zoo says it is carrying out a postmortem shortly.