FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Dewar
(312) 927-5344
[email protected]
Lincoln Park Zoo Saddened to Report Death of Baby Gorilla
Chicago (Nov. 25, 2011) – Lincoln Park Zoo officials are deeply saddened to report the death of
the western lowland gorilla baby born on Nov. 16. Animal Care staff found the infant dead this
morning still being carried by her mother, Bana.
“This is an extremely sad day for the Lincoln Park Zoo family,” said Megan Ross, vice president
of Animal Care. “We have been watching the mother and infant very closely since the birth and
felt cautiously optimistic that the baby was healthy and being cared for appropriately. We are all
surprised and very saddened by this tragic turn of events.”
Bana was allowed to keep the baby for several hours in order to make peace with what happened.
Gorillas’ periods of mourning have been well documented and are often compared to those of
humans.
Bana, a first time mother, carried the baby full-term, and the infant appeared to be fullydeveloped. The cause of death has yet to be determined. A full necropsy (animal autopsy) will be
performed by Lincoln Park Zoo’s veterinarians and pathologists to determine the cause of death.
As of right now, the cause is unknown.
“The sad reality is that infant mortality is not altogether uncommon in wild animals, but
nonetheless we are absolutely devastated to lose this important newborn which is a critically
endangered species,” said Ross.
The Regenstein Center for African Apes will remain closed to the public today in order to give
the gorillas, and animal care staff, time to mourn and adjust to the loss.
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ABOUT CHICAGO’S LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with
nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both
globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The
not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization
and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or
visit www.lpzoo.org.