– Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla death
– Buffalo Zoo Mourns Loss of Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla.
The Buffalo Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Gorilla, Koga
The Buffalo Zoo in New York is grieving the loss of a male silver-necked western lowland gorilla named Koga. On Wednesday, at the age of 36, Koga passed away from a heart attack. The zoo made the heartbreaking announcement on Thursday, leaving staff and visitors devastated by this sudden loss.
Koga was born in captivity at the Bronx Zoo on August 14, 1987. He spent the first seven years of his life there before being moved to the Memphis Zoo, where he resided for 13 years. In April 2007, Koga found his permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo, where he captivated the hearts of millions of visitors over the course of his 17-year stay.
Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire staff. She described Koga as a charismatic and intelligent animal who had become an integral part of their zoo community. Throughout his time in Buffalo, Koga served as an ambassador for his species and left a lasting impact on over 6 million zoo visitors.
Gorillas are known for their highly social nature, and male gorillas often lead troops consisting of multiple females. In light of Koga’s passing, the remaining female group at the Buffalo Zoo will be closely monitored by the zoo’s animal care staff, with assistance from Canisius College’s Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Program.
During his time at the Buffalo Zoo, Koga fathered three offspring. Amari, 13, and Kayin, 8, have recently been relocated to other zoos, while Nyah, 10, continues to reside at the Buffalo Zoo alongside two adult females, Sidney, 26, and Lily, 23. This successful breeding program was made possible through the collaboration of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
While Koga’s death was sudden, the gorilla had been under veterinary care for years due to a heart condition. The Buffalo Zoo credits their dedicated staff and advanced treatments for allowing Koga to live well beyond the average lifespan of male gorillas.
Fans of the Buffalo Zoo have taken to social media to share their memories of Koga and express their condolences to the zookeepers who cared for him. One visitor fondly recalled seeing him just days before his passing, describing him as regal and majestic. Another touching comment mentioned how their young son had referred to Koga as “Daddy” when he first started talking, illustrating the deep connection visitors felt with this remarkable animal.
The loss of Koga highlights the precarious situation faced by wild western lowland gorillas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as critically endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, illegal hunting for the meat trade, and the emergence of new diseases. Over the past 25 years, their population has declined by more than 60 percent, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.
In memory of Koga, the Buffalo Zoo is accepting donations that will be used to support the care of gorillas both at the zoo and in the wild. Contributions can be made at buffalozoo.org/donate, allowing Koga’s legacy to live on and make a difference in the lives of his fellow gorillas.
This devastating loss has left a void in the hearts of all who knew Koga, but his memory will forever remain in the minds of those whose lives he touched. The Buffalo Zoo will continue its mission to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation, carrying on Koga’s legacy as an ambassador for his species..
1. Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Tragic Loss
2. Devastation at Buffalo Zoo as Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Passes Away.
