Two-year-old gorilla dies at Calgary Zoo following accident

By Medicine Hat News on November 13, 2024.

The Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo are regretful to announce the passing of one of their western lowland gorillas on Tuesday afternoon.

Eyare, a two-year-old female at the Zoo, was injured when moving between back-of-house spaces, said Colleen Baird, director of animal care, health & welfare.

“Her care team and our veterinary staff acted extremely quickly to save her, but Eyare subsequently passed away as a result of her injuries,” said Baird.

The Zoo added that an investigation will be conducted, including a necropsy, to understand what happened, and to determine any changes to processes or infrastructure that need to be made to prevent this from happening to other animals.

The first offspring for her dam Dossi and sire Jasiri, Eyare “will be remembered for her playful and curious spirit,” said the Wilder Institute.

“Saying goodbye to the animals we love and care for is never easy, but it is especially so when the loss comes unexpectedly,” said Baird. “The gorilla team will be supporting the troop as they grieve, and we will be supporting the zoo team as they grieve in the days and weeks to come.”

7
-6