By MATT JONES FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 08:22 GMT, 15 February 2025 | Updated: 08:24 GMT, 15 February 2025

Staff at a major Australian zoo are mourning the loss of a gorilla, while vets launch an investigation into her sudden and unexpected death.

The 20-year-old female Western Lowland gorilla named Kimya died on Saturday morning, staff at Melbourne Zoo said. 

Her devastated keepers are trying to come to terms with her unexpected passing, with zoo vets to perform a ‘full necropsy’ to determine the cause of death. 

Kimya came to Melbourne Zoo from the Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and bonded with 24-year-old male, Otana.

The pair became parents after the birth of daughter Kanzi in 2015 – the first gorilla born at Melbourne Zoo in 15 years. 

‘Kimya was intelligent, observant and independent,’ the zoo said.

‘She was a loving mother, who gently showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla.

‘Melbourne Zoo members, visitors, volunteers, and staff — especially Kimya’s dedicated keeper team, many of whom have cared for her since her arrival — will deeply feel this loss.

Kimya, a Western Lowland gorilla, died at Melbourne Zoo on Saturday morning

Staff at Melbourne Zoo have been left devastated by the death of a popular gorilla

Staff at Melbourne Zoo have been left devastated by the death of a popular gorilla 

‘A firm favourite of members and visitors to Melbourne Zoo, our thoughts are with the whole team, and in particular her dedicated keepers, many of whom worked with Kimya for over a decade.’ 

Melbourne Zoo director Sheri Horiszny said Kimya’s death left zoo staff heartbroken.

‘Our zoo family of staff, members and visitors have watched her over the years and joined in her delight of becoming a mother and raising Kanzi,’ she said.

‘She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.’

Gorillas tend to live between 35 to 40 years but can live as long as 50 years in captivity.

:
Zookeepers launch investigation into sudden and mysterious death of beloved gorilla at popular Aussie zoo

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