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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWorld's oldest gorilla dead at 61
OZZIE, the world's oldest male gorilla was found dead at Zoo Atlanta on Tuesday. He was 61-years-old. The primate had tested positive for Covid-19 last year along with a group of other gorillas, however, its unknown if the sickness led to his eventual passing.
While we knew this time would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend, said President and CEO Raymond B. King. "Ozzies lifes contributions are indelible, in the generations of individuals he leaves behind in the gorilla population and in the worlds body of knowledge in the care of his species. "Our thoughts are with his care team, who have lost a part of their lives and a part of their hearts."
Zoo vets had noticed that Ozzie seemed to be losing his appetite last week, however, he was still encouraged to eat and drink. Last September, Ozzie and at least 8 other gorillas at Zoo Atlanta tested positive for Covid. The animals faced similar symptoms to humans such as runny noses, coughing and sneezing.
Ozzie first arrived at the zoo in 1988. In 2009, he helped achieve a scientific milestone when he became the first gorilla to receive a blood pressure reading. He was 48-years-old at the time and was considered geriatric.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/4541224/ozzie-zoo-atlanta-oldest-gorilla-dead/

StarryNite
(11,980 posts)Such a beautiful being.
malaise
(293,111 posts)There may well be older gorillas
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)Animals don't live nearly as long in the wild as they do in captivity. There's something to be said for three square a day and easy access to medical professionals.
eppur_se_muova
(41,060 posts)malaise
(293,111 posts)I detest zoos but you might have a point.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)Did I say how much I dislike zoos?
MontanaMama
(24,616 posts)Ozzie now knows the secret.
hamsterjill
(17,094 posts)Always loved that line.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)I wonder if her name was Harriet ?