Rockhampton Zoo: White-cheeked Gibbon Tuson dies from illness

Autopsy results have revealed what caused the death of one of Rockhampton Zoo's white-cheeked Gibbons, which happened a week after the death of one of their beloved chimps.

Tuson the white-cheeked Gibbon died on Wednesday after an illness.

A post-mortem has revealed one of Rockhampton's two white-cheeked Gibbons was suffering stomach ulcers in the lead up to her death. 

Tuson died on the morning of December 14 after receiving medical treatment for the two weeks prior.

He death came just a week after one of the zoo’s beloved chimpanzee’s, Holly, also died from an illness.

Initial testing found no evidence of the two deaths being related. 

The post-mortem revealed Tuson's stomach ulcers had led to infection. 

According to a statement from the zoo, Tuson had received full-time vet care since Monday December 12 due to suspected gastrointestinal and pancreatic problems.

Tuson the white-cheeked Gibbon died on Wednesday after an illness.

At the first sign of Tuson’s illness, Rockhampton Zoo’s vet and keepers sought immediate advice from Gibbon experts from Perth Zoo and vets from Adelaide Zoo, where Tuson was born, to ensure she received the best possible care, the statement read

Tuson, who was six-years-old, arrived at Rockhampton Zoo from Adelaide Zoo in October along with her 11-year-old white-cheeked cousin Nakai who came from Perth Zoo.

Rockhampton Zoo primate keeper and team leader Blair Chapman said the sudden loss of Tuson was “such sad and unfortunate timing given the passing of our beloved chimpanzee Holly last week”.

Rockhampton Zoo team leader Blair Chapman.

“An initial procedure to examine the cause of Tuson’s passing has already been carried out and so far there is no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related,” he said

“Both Holly and Tuson experienced unrelated symptoms and whilst we await final pathology results for both of them, we do find comfort in knowing our other primates remain healthy and well with no signs of illness.

“The safety and wellbeing of our animals is of top priority, and we will continue to closely monitor our remaining gibbon and chimp troop as they transition to life without their mates.”

Holly the Chimp at Rockhampton Zoo . Pictures: Jack Tran.

Rockhampton’s parks, sport and public Spaces councillor Cherie Rutherford said the loss of Tuson had once again left zoo staff feeling shocked and upset.

“Whilst Tuson had only been with us a short time, we were all devastated to hear of the loss of another one of our zoo family members – they all mean so much to us,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Tuson was quiet and reserved, yet confident in herself, and a genuinely lovely little soul.

“I really feel for zoo staff during this time and extend my condolences to them once again – they love these animals as their own.

“I would also like to thank our community for their support and understanding during this difficult time.”