Melbourne Zoo shocked by beloved gorilla’s sudden death
Vets at an Australian zoo are investigating the sudden death of a beloved gorilla as visitors have been left devastated.
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Vets at an Australian zoo are investigating the sudden death of a gorilla as its visitors have expressed their sadness at her passing.
Kimya, a female Western Lowland gorilla at Melbourne Zoo, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning.
She was 20, rendering her relatively young, with gorilla species generally living to around 35 years old in the wild.
“As part of this investigation, a full necropsy will be undertaken to determine the cause of death,” Zoos Victoria said in a statement.
Kimya was born in captivity at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo before being sent to Melbourne Zoo more than a decade ago, in 2013.
She “quickly bonded” with then-24-year-old male gorilla, Otana.
The two had a baby together in 2015, birthing Kanzi, the first gorilla to be born at Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.
The zoo described Kimya as “intelligent, observant and independent” and also a “loving mother”.
“Vale Kimya,” Zoos Victoria wrote. “Melbourne Zoo members, visitors, volunteers, and staff – especially Kimya’s dedicated keeper team – will deeply feel this loss.”
Indeed, the news generated an outpouring of sadness from the general public.
“Condolences to all her keepers and to the entire gorilla family as they mourn this devastating loss,” wrote one person.
“Will miss her at Melbourne Zoo,” said another.
“Dear Kimya, beautiful soul, we shall miss you. Rest easy darling one,” added a third.
Melbourne Zoo’s director Sheri Horiszny said she and the rest of the staff were “all heartbroken”.
“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 said.
“She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.”
Originally published as Melbourne Zoo shocked by beloved gorilla’s sudden death
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