Calgary Zoo 'gentle giant' gorilla Kakinga dies

A gorilla known as a "gentle giant" has passed away at the Calgary Zoo after holding the role of silverback or leader of the troop for the past 23 years.

Kakinga, a 37-year-old male, died on Sunday night after his heart stopped. The median life expectancy for gorillas in captivity is 31 years old.

"Often called the zoo's gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback," the zoo said in a statement.

"He was very involvedin his role as leader of the troop, acting as a peacekeeper, a protector and in some very tendermoments, a father."

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Kakinga died as a result of developing a large tear in his aorta, which caused the sac around his heart to become filled with blood and ultimately stopped his heart, zoo officials said.

This is one of the well-recognized causes of mortality in gorillas, especially males, it added.

Kakinga's legacy

During his time as silverback, Kakingafathered 13 offspring, eightof which are surviving with the most recent being born just this past March at the zoo.

"This is a sad day for our zoo as we remember what an important gorilla Kakinga was to our troopand to the western lowland gorilla species," says zoo curator Dr. Malu Celli.

"Kakinga's legacy will live on in his offspring and in the hearts of thosewho came to love to him over his many years at the Calgary Zoo."

Another one of theCalgary Zoo's gorillas, Zuri,underwent emergency surgery last month.

The 19-year-old female western lowland gorilla was treated fora severe abdominal infection. She isstill in fair condition,but improving day-by-day, staff said.

With the death of Kakinga, the entire gorilla troop is now comprised of women. TrishaExton-Parder, a spokesperson for the zoo said they will now look for amale from another zoo.

"The females will be working out the family dynamics over the next while," she said.

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