The Philadelphia Zoo announced Friday that one of its beloved gorillas has died.
Jabari, a 28-year-old male western lowland gorilla, died this afternoon while under anesthesia.
The Zoo’s veterinary team decided to conduct a full examination after he exhibited appetite loss and signs of mouth or throat discomfort on Thursday, according to officials.
Once under anesthesia, officials say Jabari stopped breathing and resuscitation attempts were not successful. The Zoo is currently conducting a necropsy to determine the cause of his illness and death.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tremendous loss,” said Dr. Andy Baker, Chief Operating Officer at the Philadelphia Zoo. “Jabari was an iconic favorite with our staff and visitors, and we expected him to be with us for many years.”
Jabari was born at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in February 1985, and arrived in Philadelphia from the St. Louis Zoo in July 2004. Jabari lived with Honi, an 18-year-old female, and Kira, a 14-year-old female.
During his nine years in Philadelphia, Jabari was one of the zoo’s most beloved animals and the largest animal in PECO Primate Reserve. Most recently, he garnered attention for his potential to breed with Kira, and father the first gorilla born at the Zoo in many years.
The Philadelphia Zoo is home to four other western lowland gorillas. Females Kira and Honi were part of Jabari’s group. A second “bachelor group”, includes 14-year-old male, Louis, who is Jabari’s son, and 11-year-old male Kuchimba, who is Honi’s son.
Gorillas may live as long as 50 years in zoos, with a more typical lifespan in the mid-30’s, according to officials.
The Philadelphia Zoo's Massa held the longevity record of 54 years at the time of his death in 1984.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Zoo