Melbourne Zoo community mourns sudden death of beloved western lowland gorilla Kimya

The Melbourne Zoo community has been left “heartbroken” following the death of “wonderful” western lowland gorilla Kimya who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday.

Beloved western lowland gorilla Kimya has died at the Melbourne Zoo. Picture: Sarah Matray

The Melbourne Zoo community is mourning the loss of beloved western lowland gorilla Kimya who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.

The revered 20 year old was cherished by staff and visitors alike, thrilling Melbourne Zoo visitors since her arrival in 2013.

Kimya celebrating her daughter Kanji's third birthday. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Kimya poses up for a selfie at Melbourne Zoo. Picture: David Caird

Melbourne Zoo director Sheri Horiszny said Kimya’s death was unexpected and zoo staff are currently investigating the case.

“We are all heartbroken, she was a wonderful gorilla,” she said.

“Our zoo family of staff, members and visitors have watched her over the years and joined in her delight of becoming a mother and raising Kanzi.

“She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.”

Kimya as a baby being carried by mum Kriba at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 2005. Picture: Jeff Darmanin

Kimya arrived at Melbourne Zoo from the Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and quickly bonded with male gorilla Otana.

The pair rose to infamy in 2015 when Kimya became the first gorilla to give birth at the Melbourne Zoo since 1984.

Kimya holds her baby close to her daughter’s first outing in the enclosure. Picture: David Caird.

For three months, thousands tuned in to watch 24-hour surveillance footage as zoo keepers eagerly awaited the arrival of baby Kanzi.

Ms Horiszny said the entire zoo community, especially Kimya’s dedicated keeper team, will deeply feel her loss.

A full necropsy is expected to be conducted as part of investigations into the cause of death.