Leipzig Zoo mourns the loss of the gorilla Kibara: Shock for all visitors!

Leipzig Zoo mourns the loss of the gorilla Kibara: Shock for all visitors!

In the heart of Germany, more precisely in Leipzig Zoo, animal lovers meet to experience the impressive world of gorillas. The zoo is not only considered one of the most beautiful zoological facilities in the country, but has also established itself as exemplary in keeping great apes. Pongoland, the famous living environment for gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos, has been delighting visitors for 25 years with up-close animal encounters that are always an experience. But in the last few weeks, tempers have been very tense in the zoo.

On April 3, 2023, the female gorilla Kibara died at the age of 21, which represents a deep turning point for the gorilla group. Zoo director Prof. Jörg Junhold has repeatedly expressed concern about the loss, as Kibara and the previously deceased male gorilla Kio showed similar symptoms of illness. Both received intensive veterinary care. While there are still no results from pathological examinations regarding Kio's death, inflammation in the intestinal area is suspected in Kibara's case, but a final diagnosis is still pending.

Intensive veterinary care

The remaining four gorillas of the group are under close veterinary control as the group appears depressed and tense following the sad losses. Junhold has announced that the gorillas may not be visible in the coming days, depending on the situation. These measures are intended to ensure that the animals are not further stressed.

Gorillas are among the largest and heaviest great apes. Their home range extends from the West African lowlands to the montane forests of the equator, where they organize themselves into family-like groups led by a mature silverback. Despite their enormous strength, gorillas are gentle creatures. They only defend themselves when they feel threatened and move up to three kilometers a day in search of food.

A network for species protection

It is important to mention the role of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, EAZA, which was founded in 1992 and is now the largest regional zoo and aquarium organization in the world. With over 400 members, it is committed to species protection and the sustainable preservation of endangered species in the wild. Annually, more than 148 million people visit EAZA zoos, which serve as important centers for species conservation. This organization promotes the exchange of knowledge and resources among members and supports them in animal welfare, public relations and scientific research.

Amid the grief and uncertainty surrounding the gorillas' health, hope remains that the intensive efforts of EAZA's veterinary specialists will benefit the remaining animals. Ultimately, the well-being of these fascinating animals is important not only for the zoo veterinarians, but also for the many visitors who come to Leipzig Zoo year after year to experience these extraordinary creatures up close.

thueringen24.de reports that the gorilla group in Leipzig is currently looking for stability while zoo-leipzig.de provides further information about the lifestyle of western lowland gorillas. Those too EAZA is active in sharing knowledge about protecting these impressive species and will hopefully help improve the situation.