Calgary Zoo’s ‘gentle giant’ Kakinga dies
CALGARY The Calgary Zoo has lost its “gentle giant.”
Kakinga the gorilla died Saturday night after developing a large tear in his aorta, which caused his heart to stop, according to the zoo’s veterinary team. The gorilla was 37.
“This is a sad day for our zoo as we remember what an important gorilla Kakinga was to our troop and to the western lowland gorilla species,” said Malu Celli, Calgary Zoo curator.
Staff are remembering Kakinga as an “exceptional silverback” who was kind, loving and protective.
“He was very involved in his role as leader of the troop, acting as a peacekeeper, a protector and in some very tender moments, a father,” the zoo stated in a news release.
Kakinga, who was born at the Jersey Zoo in the United Kingdom, fathered 13 offspring, eight of which are surviving, including the gorilla born at the Calgary Zoo in March.
Kakinga landed in Calgary in 1984 and transitioned into the role of leader of the troop in 1993.
The zoo said the large tear in Kakinga’s aorta that led to his death is one of the well-recognized causes of mortality in gorillas, especially males.
The zoo is asking anyone who wishes to express their condolences for the beloved gorilla to do so by recycling an old cellphone.
The small action will help protect wild gorilla habitat so other silverbacks, like Kakinga, have a place to call home, said the zoo.
The silverback’s death comes after another zoo gorilla, a female named Zuri, was in critical condition following a severe abdominal infection in late April.