Mzuri, the first gorilla born in captivity in Australia and the first animal born through IVF, has died overseas.

The famous silverback male was born at Melbourne Zoo on June 3, 1984.

He was soon named "Mzuri", meaning beautiful, and captured the hearts of many who sent in cards and gifts to the zoo from across the nation.

Mzuri with his mother Yuska and keeper Uli Weiher, Melbourne Zoo, 1984. (Melbourne Zoo)

He died of cardiac arrest under general anaesthetic at Ammneville Zoo in France, a Melbourne Zoo spokesperson told 9NEWS.

Mzuri’s birth made headlines worldwide and was the result of a pioneering IVF program.

He was raised by hand by zoo staff and was transferred to a breeding program in Jersey in 1993.