Ozzie, a western lowland silverback was found dead by his care team on Tuesday morning, the zoo reported in a news release. He was 61.
While the cause of death isn’t known, Ozzie had been treated for facial swelling, weakness and an inability to eat or drink over the last 24 hours before his death the zoo said.
Ozzie was one among the 13 gorillas of Zoo Atlanta who tested positive for Covid 19 last year. The officials of the zoo believe that the apes contracted the disease from a zoo worker who was fully vaccinated and was wearing protective equipment. The worker was also said to be asymptomatic.
The results of the ape’s necropsy which is being carried out by University of Georgia veterinary college will be release upon its completion.
“This a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta, while we knew this day would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend.” park CEO Raymond King commented.
The oldest living gorilla is Fatou, who turned 64 last year at the Berlin zoo, while Helen turned 63 on January 1st at the Louisville zoo. Making Ozzie the third oldest gorilla in the world.
Ozzie was brought to Zoo Atlanta in 1988. He fathered 12 gorillas, enjoyed oranges and cabbage and hated loud music.
The western lowland gorilla inhabits the rainforest of Central Africa, it’s one of four subspecies of the Great ape. Unfortunately, according to the World Wildlife Fund, a conservation group, poaching and diseases have shrunk it’s population by 60 percent, putting the animals in the critically endangered species category.
