Melbourne's famous and much loved gorilla, Mzuri, has died in France at the age of 32.

The first gorilla born in Australia on June 3, 1984, Mzuri also gained international fame for being the first primate born through artificial insemination.

Mzuri, obviously a fan of a fine flower, on October 10, 1986. Credit:Fairfax Media

Melbourne Zoo director Kevin Tanner said Mzuri, whose name meant beautiful, died in the French zoo where he was living with a band of bachelor gorillas.

"Everyone who worked with Mzuri over the years found him to be loveable, intelligent, and affectionate," Melbourne Zoo said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.