Sad loss at Leipzig Zoo: gorillas Kio and Kibara dead!

Sad loss at Leipzig Zoo: gorillas Kio and Kibara dead!

Leipzig Zoo recently had to say goodbye to two beloved lowland gorillas: Kio and Kibara died in a sad and disturbing incident. Kio, who was just seven years old, died on March 27, while 21-year-old Kibara would follow just a week later. The causes of these tragic events appear to be due to highly infectious E.coli bacteria, which led to severe intestinal problems. This information was published in a detailed report by Thüringen24, which sheds light on the deeper background.

The two gorillas showed massive intestinal damage, leading to sepsis that eventually extinguished their spark of life. According to Leipzig Zoo, the pathological examinations were completed on May 23rd. However, younger females in the group appear to have remained unaffected, while the behavior of silverback Abeeku and female gorilla Kumili will be watched with concern following the loss of their companions.

Emergency response and animal care

To stabilize the remaining gorillas, the zoo team has taken extensive protective measures. They were provided with alternative drinking options and special additives to support the intestinal flora. There was also regular feeding by the keepers, which has now returned to the normal routine. The zoo director, Prof. Jörg Junhold, expressed his dismay at the loss and promised to continue to intensively clarify the medical causes.

However, the psychological stress on the remaining animals should not be underestimated. The grief for their lost companions makes the gorillas appear significantly diminished and depressed in their behavior. For Kumili in particular, there were temporary restrictions on food intake, raising questions about possible infection. However, the exact transmission of the E.coli bacteria remains unclear, as the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung emphasizes.

A one-time occurrence

This is an extremely rare incident for Leipzig Zoo, which, according to zoo director Junhold, is unprecedented in Pongoland in the last 25 years. The remaining gorilla group is under strict medical and animal care control. The animals' development is continuously monitored and close collaboration is maintained with external specialists from the European Zoo Association EAZA to ensure that the animals' health remains a priority. The serious events not only affected the well-being of the gorillas, but also affected the entire zoo team.

During this difficult time, Leipzig Zoo is striving to maintain the usual quality of life of its animals and to honor the memory of the lost conspecifics. The return to normality takes time, and like Abeeku, Kumili and the other remaining gorillas, carers, veterinarians and supporters will continue to do everything they can in the coming weeks to accompany and support the animals through this emotional storm.