Ozzie the world’s oldest male gorilla was found dead by his “heartbroken” care team
on Tuesday morning, the zoo in Atlanta Georgia said. Ozzie, the world’s oldest male
gorilla, has died at the age of 61.
Ozzie’s cause of death is unknown, but he is said to have lost his appetite since last
week and was being provided with supportive care to encourage him to eat and drink.
But over the last 24 hours, he had been treated for facial swelling, weakness and an
inability to eat or drink, the zoo said.
“This is a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta. While we knew this time would come
someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a
legend,” Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond B. King said in a statement.
“Ozzie’s life’s contributions are indelible, in the generations of individuals he leaves
behind in the gorilla population and in the world’s 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,’ he added.
Ozzie was one of 13 gorillas at Zoo Atlanta who tested positive for COVID-19 this
past September, zoo officials announced at the time
