Melbourne Zoo is investigating the sudden death of its 20-year-old gorilla, Kimya.
In a statement, the zoo expressed its devastation, announcing that the Western Lowland Gorilla passed away unexpectedly that morning.
Vets are conducting a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Kimya, who arrived at the zoo from Taronga Conservation Society in 2013, quickly bonded with a 24-year-old male gorilla, Otana.
The pair became parents to Kanzi in 2015, marking the zoo’s first gorilla birth in 15 years.
Described as “intelligent, observant, and independent,” Kimya was also a loving mother, teaching Kanzi essential gorilla skills.
Through campaigns like “They’re Calling On You,” she helped raise awareness about the challenges her species faces in the wild.
The zoo said Kimya was a favorite among visitors and members, and its thoughts are with her dedicated keepers, many of whom had worked with her for over a decade.
