Shock in the Leipzig zoo: grief for Gorilla-Kibara after sudden death!

Shock in the Leipzig zoo: grief for Gorilla-Kibara after sudden death!

The Leipzig Zoo, known as one of the most beautiful zoological institutions in Germany, is criticized due to the tragic loss of the Gorill female Kibara. Kibara, who died on April 3, 2023 at the age of 21, was part of the famous Gorilla group, who lives in Pongoland, a showcase project. In the event of her death, inflammation in the intestinal area was suspected, but a final diagnosis is still pending. Zoo Director Prof. Jörg Junhold was dismayed by the loss and reported that Kio, the Gorilla dairy, also showed similar symptoms of illness and died. The pathology examinations for kios death have not yet been completed. Both animals were intensively looked after veterinally, but did not have the necessary recovery.

After the death of Kibara, the remaining gorilla group, consisting of four animals, is with intensive veterinary control. Junhold found that the group currently seems depressed and tense. In order to ensure the well -being of the animals, it could happen in the coming days that the gorillas are not visible to visitors. The zoo is lively exchange with veterinary specialists from the European Zoo Association (EAZA) and with other experienced zoos to ensure the best possible supply. In view of these events, the mood among the visitors and employees of the zoo is tense because the importance of Kibara for the Gorilla group was undeniable.

history and development of the zoo

The Leipzig zoo was opened on June 9, 1878 and has since developed into a remarkable facility that houses around 850 animal species on an area of ​​around 27 hectares. He was taken over by the city of Leipzig in 1920 after the First World War and expanded in many ways. In addition to Pongoland, the important construction projects also include Gondwanaland, which is considered the second largest indoor rainforest house in the world.

Aktuell the zoo offers a unique experience in six themed worlds, including the well-known research facility in Pongoland, which was founded in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. These facilities focus on researching behavior and cognition of great apes such as chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. Leipzig Zoo is considered the best zoo in Germany and the second best in Europe.

visitor information

The Leipzig zoo is easily accessible via various route planners, but visitors should consider the traffic regulations for the covered parking garages at Parthenstrasse 8. In addition, the direct entrance to the parking garages from Pfaffendorfer Straße is not possible. The city of Leipzig has an “environmental zone” in which only vehicles with the corresponding environmental badge are allowed to enter, which should be taken into account when traveling. If you have any further questions, visitors can find out more on the official website of the zoo.