Winston was one of the world’s oldest gorillas and a famous attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. He died after having several health issues, officials said. He was 52 years old.
Safari Park officials said on Instagram that the western lowland silverback was put down on Saturday because it was getting old and had problems with its heart, kidneys, and joints. People who went to the park in Southern California loved him for being strange and gentle, and scientists loved him for helping a highly endangered species by having nine babies, according to zoo officials.
It is unknown what silverbacks do when they raise two male gorillas that are not connected.
The people at Safari Park said, “This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing personality, and heart of gold.” “Winston served as the protector of his family.”
A major non-governmental group for conservation, the World Wildlife Fund, says that western lowland gorillas are severely endangered in several Central African countries. Scientists think that in the last 25 years, their numbers have dropped by 60%. No one knows how many still live in the wild.
A San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance book called “Wonderful Winston: A truly great ape” says Winston came to Southern California in 1984. The 2018 report says that he was in charge of a group of seven gorillas and was one of 3,000 animals from 300 species that lived on the 1,800-acre area 30 miles outside of San Diego. It became a park in 1972.
Since at least 2017, when zookeepers saw signs of heart problems, the much-loved ape has had health problems. Most great apes that live in zoos die of heart problems.
“After careful consideration stemming from furthering complications from his worsening conditions, and with Winston’s quality of life top of mind, wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him,” a statement from the zoo said.
