– Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla
– Buffalo Zoo’s Western Lowland Gorilla.
Buffalo Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Gorilla, Koga: A Reflection on His Impact
Buffalo, NY – In a sad and unexpected turn of events, the Buffalo Zoo announced the passing of Koga, a male silverback western lowland gorilla, on Wednesday. Koga, who was 36 years old, passed away due to a cardiac event. The news was shared with the public by the zoo on Thursday, leaving many heartbroken.
Born on August 14, 1987, at the Bronx Zoo, Koga spent the first seven years of his life in captivity before being relocated to the Memphis Zoo. After spending 13 years there, Koga found his forever home at the Buffalo Zoo in April 2007. Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, expressed her devastation over the loss, stating, “Our staff always feel the loss of any animal that dies, but it is especially hard when it is a charismatic, intelligent, well-loved animal like Koga who was a staple of our Zoo community.”
Throughout his 17 years at the Buffalo Zoo, Koga left a lasting impression on both visitors and staff. Lisa Smith highlighted his impact, saying, “During his time in Buffalo, as an ambassador of his species, Koga inspired and impacted over 6 million visitors to the Zoo.” His gentle nature and majestic presence made him a beloved member of the zoo community, and he will be deeply missed.
Gorillas, known for their social and complex behaviors, typically live between 35 to 40 years in the wild. The median life expectancy for male gorillas is 32.7 years, making Koga’s longevity a testament to the exceptional care provided by the Buffalo Zoo’s staff. Despite being under veterinary care for heart disease for several years, Koga’s passing still came as a shock to many.
Koga’s legacy extends beyond his time at the Buffalo Zoo. During his life, he fathered three infants, Amari, Kayin, and Nyah. While Amari and Kayin have been placed in other zoos, Nyah, now 10 years old, continues to reside at the Buffalo Zoo with two adult females, Sidney and Lily. The remaining troop will be closely monitored by the zoo’s animal care staff, along with assistance from Canisius College’s Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation program.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers wild western lowland gorillas to be critically endangered. Their population has declined by over 60 percent in the past 25 years due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal hunting, and emerging diseases. In memory of Koga, the Buffalo Zoo is accepting donations that will be used to support gorilla care both at the zoo and in the wild.
As news of Koga’s passing spread, many individuals took to the zoo’s Facebook page to share their memories and express their condolences. One person fondly recalled seeing Koga just a few days prior, describing him as “regal” and “majestic.” Another shared a heartwarming story of how their young son used to call Koga “daddy” when he first started talking, a testament to the gorilla’s gentle soul.
The loss of Koga has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of the Buffalo Zoo community and all those who had the privilege of encountering him. His legacy as an ambassador for his species will continue to inspire and educate future generations. In honor of Koga’s memory, the Buffalo Zoo invites individuals to donate towards gorilla care, ensuring that his impact lives on.
Please note: This article is a reflection on the life and impact of Koga, and the cause of his death is currently unknown..
– Buffalo Zoo’s Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla
– Devastated Buffalo Zoo over Silverback Gorilla’s Death.
