Kyiv Zoo remembers Hayden Panettiere's special connection with Tony the gorilla
Photo: Hayden Panettiere (Getty Images)
American actress Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36. Following news of her death, Kyiv Zoo honored the star by sharing a touching story about her friendship with and support for Tony, a local gorilla.
Panettiere and Tony the gorilla: How their friendship began
According to the zoo, Hayden first visited Kyiv Zoo in 2014. That was when she met Tony the gorilla. They immediately formed a special bond.
"To millions, she will always be remembered as a well-known actress. To Kyiv Zoo, she will be remembered as someone who truly loved our Tony and became part of his story," the zoo said.
After their first meeting, the actress did not forget about the animal. Whenever she returned to the capital, she would visit Tony and ask about his life.
Later, Panettiere helped create better living conditions for the gorilla. In the fall of 2014, with her support, Tony received new winter accommodations, followed by summer accommodations in the spring of 2015.
The zoo published a photo taken during Hayden's first visit in 2014. The picture shows the actress meeting Tony.
"This photo captures one of those meetings. Simple, warm and genuine. This is how we want to remember their story. Her kindness will remain with us - in Tony’s life and in the history of Kyiv Zoo," the post said.
Tony and Hayden (photo: facebook.com/zoo.kyiv.ua)
Finally, the zoo thanked the actress for the sincerity and love she showed toward the animal world.
"May her memory be bright," the zoo added.
Panettiere died on August 16. Her former fiancé, Volodymyr Klitschko, reacted to the tragedy, recalling their relationship and their daughter, Kaya-Evdokia.
