It's feared an orang-utan at Blackpool Zoo may have died of a broken heart.

Homer died just 24 hours after his mate Hayley died following pregnancy problems, and it is thought Homer's death was caused by a blood clot, brought about by intense sadness at the loss of his mate.

The manager of Blackpool Zoo, Iain Valentine, said orang-utans often go into a deep depression following the death of a partner, much like they're evolutionary cousins, we humans. He said Homer and Hayley were inseparable, and added that Homer even gave her a Valentine card.

Although this is a likely explanation for the deaths it turns out that a third ape at the zoo, Lomie, has also died within the last 48 hours, sparking fears of a deadly bug at the centre.