Zoo Atlanta Mourns Death Of Shamba, 58, Its Oldest Gorilla
On Monday, Zoo Atlanta welcomed the birth and arrival of a newborn crowned lemur.
Atlanta’s zoo is mourning the death of its oldest gorilla, a 58-year-old female named Shamba.
Zoo Atlanta says the western lowland gorilla was found unresponsive Friday.
Zoo Atlanta mourns passing of Shamba, its oldest gorilla, at 58: https://t.co/cnYDIKi24u pic.twitter.com/w1SkwNkT0l
— Zoo Atlanta (@ZooATL) October 27, 2017
A preliminary examination revealed complications related to advanced age, and the zoo’s veterinary staff decided the best option was to euthanize her.
The zoo says Shamba was one of the oldest gorillas in the world. Western lowland gorillas are considered geriatric after about age 35.
More than 30 of Shamba’s descendants live at Zoo Atlanta and other zoos around the United States.
A necropsy is planned, with results expected in several weeks.
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