– Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Loss
– Devastating death of Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla.
Koga, Beloved Silverback Gorilla at Buffalo Zoo, Passes Away at Age 36
Background and Life of Koga
Koga, a male silverback western lowland gorilla, has sadly passed away at the age of 36. The Buffalo Zoo in New York announced his death on Thursday, revealing that he died due to a cardiac event.
Born on August 14, 1987, at the Bronx Zoo, Koga spent his early years in captivity before being relocated to the Memphis Zoo at the age of 7. After spending 13 years there, he found his permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo in April 2007.
During his time at the Buffalo Zoo, Koga became a beloved member of the community, inspiring and impacting over 6 million visitors. Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, expressed her devastation at the loss of such a charismatic and well-loved animal. She emphasized that Koga’s legacy will live on, as he played a vital role in educating and raising awareness about his species.
A Life Cut Short
Gorillas in the wild typically have a life expectancy of 35 to 40 years, with male gorillas having a median life expectancy of 32.7 years. Despite Koga’s sudden passing, the Buffalo Zoo attributed his extended lifespan to the exceptional care provided by their staff. Koga had been under veterinary care for heart disease for several years.
Impact and Family
Koga’s impact extended beyond the Buffalo Zoo. During his 17 years there, he fathered three infants. Two of his offspring, Amari, 13, and Kayin, 8, have been placed in other zoos, while his 10-year-old daughter Nyah remains at the Buffalo Zoo.
Western lowland gorillas, like Koga, are highly social and complex animals. To ensure the well-being of the remaining female troop, the zoo’s animal care staff, along with experts from Canisius College’s Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation program, will closely monitor them.
A Tragic Loss for Conservation
Wild western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, with their population declining by more than 60 percent in the past 25 years due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal hunting, and emerging diseases. Koga’s passing serves as a reminder of the need to protect these magnificent creatures.
Remembering Koga
The Buffalo Zoo has set up a donation page in Koga’s memory. Donations will be used to support gorilla care at the zoo as well as conservation efforts for gorillas in the wild.
Our hearts go out to the Buffalo Zoo and all those who were touched by Koga’s presence. He will be greatly missed, but his impact on the world will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Koga.
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– Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Death
– Devastation over Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Gorilla’s Demise.
