By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The world’s oldest male gorilla, Ozzie, aged 61 is dead.
He was found dead by his care team in his habitat at Zoo Atlanta on Tuesday.
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According to the Zoo, Ozzie’s cause of death is not yet known. He exhibited decreased appetite last Thursday and the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams were providing him with supportive care to encourage him to eat and drink. Over the past 24 hours, the teams had been treating him when he presented symptoms including facial swelling, weakness, and inability to eat or drink.
“This is a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta. While we knew this time would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO.
Ozzie is survived by daughter Kuchi; sons Kekla, Stadi, and Charlie; granddaughter Lulu; great-granddaughter Andi, and great-grandson Floyd, all of whom live at Zoo Atlanta.
The Zoo revealed that a necropsy, or the non-human equivalent of an autopsy, will be performed to determine the cause of death.
