The Calgary Zoo announced on Monday that 37-year-old silverback gorilla Kakinga had passed away.
The gorilla, often called the zoo’s “gentle giant” by staff, died on Saturday night after developing a large tear in his aorta which caused his heart to stop.
“This is one of the well-recognized causes of mortality in gorillas, especially males,” the zoo explained in a news release.
Kakinga exceeded the median life expectancy for gorillas in captivity, which is 31.1 years.
The gorilla was born at the Jersey Zoo in the United Kingdom on December 1, 1978 and arrived at the Calgary Zoo in 1984, transitioning to the role of silverback (troop leader) in 1993.
During his time as silverback, Kakinga fathered 13 offspring, including the most recent gorilla born at the zoo in March.
READ MORE: Calgary Zoo releases new photos, video of baby gorilla
Zoo staff are remembering Kakinga as a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.
“This is a sad day for our zoo as we remember what an important gorilla Kakinga was to our troop and to the western lowland gorilla species,” Curator Dr. Malu Celli said. “Kakinga’s legacy will live on in his offspring in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and in the hearts of those who came to love to him over his many years at the Calgary Zoo.”
The Calgary Zoo said those who wish to express their condolences can do so by recycling an old cell phone.
“Taking this small action will help to protect wild gorilla habitat, so that other silverbacks, like Kakinga, have a place to call home.”
The Calgary Zoo’s gorilla troop consists of females Zuri, 19, Dossi, 14, Kioja, 14 and Yewande, seven – as well as the new baby, who remains unnamed.
WATCH: Calgary Zoo gorillas entertained by caterpillar
Comments