Vets at Melbourne zoo are investigating the sudden death of Kimya, a 20-year-old western lowland gorilla.
In a statement, Zoos Victoria said the gorilla’s death was “unexpected” and that staff were “devastated” at the news.
“Kimya passed away unexpectedly this morning, and vets are undertaking a necropsy to determine the cause of death,” Zoos Victoria said.
“Melbourne zoo members, visitors, volunteers, and staff – especially Kimya’s dedicated keeper team, many of whom have cared for her since her arrival – will deeply feel this loss.”
The zoo said it was looking in the matter, and “as part of this investigation a full necropsy will be undertaken to determine the cause of death”.
Kimya arrived at the zoo in 2013 from the Taronga Conservation Society and quickly bonded with 24-year-old male, Otana.
They became a breeding pair soon after, and in 2015 they became parents to Kanzi, the first gorilla born at Melbourne zoo in 15 years.
Members of the primate team at the zoo said Kimya was an “intelligent, observant and independent” gorilla.
“She was a loving mother, who gently showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla,” they said.
“A firm favourite of members and visitors to Melbourne zoo, our thoughts are with the whole team, and in particular her dedicated keepers, many of whom worked with Kimya for over a decade.”
Gorillas are listed as critically endangered, and their populations have continued to fall fast.
