Sydney Zoo in 'deep shock' after chimpanzee found dead

An investigation has been launched at Sydney Zoo after a beloved chimpanzee was found dead in its enclosure this morning. 

Visitors were denied entry to the facility this morning, prompting inital concerns an animal had escaped its cage. 

The zoo shot down the reports, stating Mogli was found inside its habitat by zookeepers earlier today but its cause of death is still unknown. 

Staff have been left in a state of "deep shock and grief" by the animal's death, Sydney Zoo said on Facebook.