World's oldest gorilla dead at 61

[left-of-center2012]

OZZIE, the world's oldest male gorilla was found dead at Zoo Atlanta on Tuesday. He was 61-years-old. The primate had tested positive for Covid-19 last year along with a group of other gorillas, however, it’s unknown if the sickness led to his eventual passing.

“While we knew this time would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend,” said President and CEO Raymond B. King. "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."

Zoo vets had noticed that Ozzie seemed to be losing his appetite last week, however, he was still encouraged to eat and drink. Last September, Ozzie and at least 8 other gorillas at Zoo Atlanta tested positive for Covid. The animals faced similar symptoms to humans such as runny noses, coughing and sneezing.

Ozzie first arrived at the zoo in 1988. In 2009, he helped achieve a scientific milestone when he became the first gorilla to receive a blood pressure reading. He was 48-years-old at the time and was considered geriatric.

https://www.the-sun.com/news/4541224/ozzie-zoo-atlanta-oldest-gorilla-dead/

[StarryNite]

1. R.I.P. Ozzie

Such a beautiful being.

[malaise]

2. Oldest one in captivity

There may well be older gorillas

[Act_of_Reparation]

3. Unlikely.

Animals don't live nearly as long in the wild as they do in captivity. There's something to be said for three square a day and easy access to medical professionals.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. AND no predators. nt

[malaise]

6. I'd prefer to die younger in freedom

I detest zoos but you might have a point.

[secondwind]

4. He spent half his life in a zoo..

Did I say how much I dislike zoos?

[MontanaMama]

7. What a beautiful creature.

Ozzie now knows the secret.

[hamsterjill]

10. Maybe Betty greeted him.

Always loved that line.

[left-of-center2012]

8. If he had a spouse ...

I wonder if her name was Harriet ?

[Karadeniz]

9. Gorgeous!!! He'll be missed!