Employees in a large Australian zoo mourn for the loss of a gorilla, while veterinarians put an investigation into her sudden and unexpected death.
The 20-year-old female Western lowland gorilla named Kimya died on Saturday morning, said the staff in Melbourne Zoo.
Her destroyed keepers try to come to terms with her unexpected death, with zoo veterinarians to perform a 'full necropsia' to determine the cause of death.
Kimya came to Melbourne Zoo from the Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and connected to the 24-year-old man, Otana.
The couple became parents after the birth of daughter Kanzi in 2015 – the first gorilla born in Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.
“Kimya was intelligent, remarkable and independent,” said the zoo.
“She was a loving mother, who carefully showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla.
'Melbourne Zoo members, visitors, volunteers and employees – especially the dedicated keeper of Kimya, many of whom have caused her since her arrival – will feel this loss deep.
Kimya, a Western lowland gorilla, died on Saturday morning in Melbourne Zoo
Staff in Melbourne Zoo has been destroyed by the death of a popular gorilla
“A strong favorite of members and visitors to Melbourne Zoo, our thoughts are with the whole team, and in particular her dedicated keepers, many of whom have worked with Kimya for more than ten years.”
Melbourne Zoo director Sheri Horiszny said that the death of Kimya Achterbroemt Zoo -Staf.
“Our zoo family of staff, members and visitors have viewed her over the years and have participated in her joy to become a mother and raise Kanzi,” she said.
“She will be well remembered by everyone who knew her.”
Gorillas usually live between 35 and 40 years, but can live in captivity for as long as 50 years.
