Zoo Miami’s matriarch gorilla, Josephine, who was grandmother to the internet-famous Harambe, has died.
The zoo announced on social media that the 49-year-old ape was euthanized Wednesday morning, saying she had been suffering from several health issues that slowly incapacitated her.
READ MORE: Family of boy who fell into Harambe’s pen thanks zoo after report
Josephine was born in the wild in March 1967 and arrived at Zoo Miami in March 1983.
Get breaking National news
The Miami Herald reports that Josephine gave birth to her first offspring, a male named Moja, in 1984. He was the first gorilla born at Zoo Miami.
-
![]()
Man who trained Harambe the gorilla fights back tears as he discusses his death -
![]()
911 call from Michelle Gregg after son falls into gorilla enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo -
![]()
Granby on gorilla response -
![]()
Zoo Director explains decision to shoot gorilla over darting the animal -
![]()
Death of gorilla a big loss: Cincinnati Zoo director
- Canadian Natural president says oil sands growth depends on new West Coast pipeline
- New Brunswick should move faster on Health Canada guidelines for clean water: doctor
- Spring thaw not letting up as flooding persists in Saskatchewan communities
- Fuel spill contaminates water body in Ontario community, cleanup underway
Moja moved to Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas, where he fathered several gorillas, including Harambe who gained worldwide attention last year when zookeepers at the Cincinnati Zoo shot him to protect a child that fell in the enclosure.
Zoo Miami’s only remaining gorilla, Fredrika, will be transferred to another zoo.
The news comes one day after Colo, the world’s first gorilla to be born in captivity, and the oldest one on record,was declared dead aged 60.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.