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Mourning at Leipzig Zoo: Gorilla Kibara dies unexpectedly at the age of 21!
Leipzig Zoo mourns the loss of the gorilla Kibara. The traditional Pongoland, known for species-appropriate husbandry, is affected.
Mourning at Leipzig Zoo: Gorilla Kibara dies unexpectedly at the age of 21!
There is currently sadness in the heart of Leipzig, where the zoo is considered one of the most beautiful zoological facilities in Germany. On April 3, 2023, female gorilla Kibara died at the age of 21, and the loss devastated the entire zoo team. Zoo director Prof. Jörg Junhold expressed his dismay at the loss in the gorilla group. Before Kibara, the male gorilla Kio had already died, and both animals showed similar symptoms of an illness that has taken a toll on them in recent weeks. According to thueringen24.de, Kibara was no longer awake during a general anesthesia for a medical examination. The zoo is in intensive contact with veterinary specialists from the European Zoo Association EAZA, as the pathological investigations into Kio's death have not yet been completed.
After these sad events, the remaining four gorillas appear clearly depressed and tense. The animals are under intensive veterinary control while zoo animal care takes care of their welfare. In the coming days, the gorillas may not always be visible, depending on how the situation develops. The sad loss has also affected visitors' close encounters with these fascinating animals, which is made possible in Pongoland, a showcase project in the keeping of great apes thueringen24.de.
What are gorillas?
Gorillas are the largest and heaviest members of the great apes and live in the West African lowlands and mountain forests from Nigeria to western Congo. Despite their impressive physical strength, they are gentle creatures that only show danger when threatened. These impressive animals live in family-like groups led by a mature silverback. Their daily routine is characterized by the search for food, and they cover up to three kilometers. Every night the gorillas build new sleeping nests, either on the ground or in the trees. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of fruits, leaves and flowers, although they occasionally add insects to their diet zoo-leipzig.de.
The meaning of EAZA
The European gorilla population is managed by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) under the European Endangered Species Program. EAZA, founded in 1992, is the largest regional zoo and aquarium organization in the world and has over 400 members in Europe and Western Asia. This organization follows a common philosophy: zoos and aquariums are important centers for species conservation. Their goal is to act as a network to maximize species conservation, not only caring for animals but also playing a critical role in outreach, education and scientific research eaza.net.
Given the current situation at Leipzig Zoo, the importance of this institution for species protection and educating the public becomes particularly clear. The sadness over the loss of Kibara and Kio goes hand in hand with the desire to protect other animals and thus make a lasting contribution to the protection of species in nature. It is hoped that the remaining gorillas will recover soon so that visitors can continue to enjoy close encounters with these impressive animals.