Distress at Leipzig Zoo: the second gorilla has died within a week. The 21-year-old female Kibara had already shown symptoms of illness last week, including exhaustion, as the zoo announced. The immediately initiated treatment did not work, as was the case with the young animal Kio, who died at the end of March. Kibara did not wake up from a general anaesthetic this Thursday.
Zoo director: "Dismayed and very sad"
"We are dismayed and very sad about the double loss in the gorilla group," said zoo director Jörg Junhold according to the statement. The zoo had never been confronted with such an event during the 25-year existence of the Pongoland great ape sanctuary.
The cause of death still needs to be clarified for both animals. Specialists from the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and experts from other zoos are being contacted for this purpose, said zoo vet Andreas Bernhard.
Gorilla group struck down
The gorillas are reportedly under strict medical and animal care and supervision. Developments are being closely monitored. "The group is depressed due to the losses and appears tense," said Bernhard. "We are not yet able to assess whether there are also medical causes."
The people and animals involved must come to terms with the losses, said Junhold. Depending on the situation, the four gorillas may not be visible to visitors in the coming days. Support will be provided for the staff if required.
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