Grief in the Leipzig Zoo: The loss of Gorilla Kibara shakes visitors

Grief in the Leipzig Zoo: The loss of Gorilla Kibara shakes visitors

Leipzig, Deutschland - The Leipzig Zoo is one of the most impressive zoological institutions in Germany. With its opening on June 9, 1878, the zoo has a long history, which is characterized by constant further developments and modernizations. In particular, the creation of thematic areas such as Pongoland, which has been a showcase project in the attitude of great apes for 25 years, emphasizes the zoo. Here visitors have the opportunity to experience close encounters with various primate types such as gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos. Despite these positive aspects, the zoo is now facing difficult challenges.

On April 3, 2023, the Gorilla female Kibara died at the age of 21, and the Gorilla dänken Kio had already died. Both animals showed similar symptoms of illness, which made veterinary care necessary. When Kibara no longer woke up for medical examination during a general anesthesia, this was a difficult blow for the zoo care workers and the heads of the zoo. Zoo Director Prof. Jörg Junhold expressed dismay about the loss in the Gorilla group and informed about the ongoing pathological studies on kios death that have not yet been completed. In Kibara, inflammation is suspected in the intestinal area, but a final diagnosis is still pending.

Current situation of the Gorilla group

The remaining four gorillas of the group are currently under intensive veterinary control. According to Junhold, the Gorilla group shows itself down and tense after the deaths. In order to protect the animals, the gorillas could not be seen in the coming days. The Leipzig Zoo has contacted veterinary specialists from the European Zoo Association EAZA and other experienced zoos to ensure the best possible support.

the Leipzig Zoological Garden is not only characterized by its impressive biodiversity of around 850 species, but also by innovative projects such as Gondwanaland, the largest indoor rainforest hall in the world, and the numerous developments in the area of ​​species protection. Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, who significantly shapes the development of the zoo, relies strongly on species -specific conservation programs and the creation of generous, species -appropriate habitats for the animals.

a model for other zoos

Overall, the Leipzig Zoo remains an important player in the area of ​​zoological gardens, is continuously committed to the protection of species and sustainable animal husbandry. But the current events around the Gorilla group show how quickly the situation in animal husbandry can change and how important the continuous medical care and research is.