TEXAS — The Dallas Zoo says Hope, a 23-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla died suddenly Sunday evening:
We are devastated to share the news that Hope, our 23-year-old western lowland gorilla, passed away suddenly last night. Hope and the other members of our family troop had been experiencing mild gastrointestinal symptoms recently, which animal care staff were closely monitoring and treating. Our veterinarians tested for parasites and other pathogens, including Salmonella, and test results came back negative.
Initial necropsy findings indicate that Hope’s colon was severely inflamed. Additional testing is pending and will hopefully give us more information about what could have caused this. Our dedicated team of zoologists is monitoring the family troop 24/7 for any signs of distress.
Right now, our top priority is the well-being of the family troop, including one-and-a-half-year-old Saambili. Keepers say that she appears understandably shaken following the death of her mother, but gorilla family bonds are strong, and the other family members have stepped in to support and comfort her. She seems to be relying most heavily on her dad, Subira, who was there to comfort her immediately and has not left her side.
The family troop will remain off habitat while we continue to monitor them closely. We are all completely heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask that you please keep our staff and our gorilla family in your thoughts.
