Tales from Leipzig Zoo: The Heartbreaking Loss of Kio and Kibara
Zoo Leipzig Faces Vacancy: The Demise of Kio and Kibara Leaves No Room for Doubt
The unexpected demise of two lowland gorillas, Kio and Kibara, left many mourning—even beyond the Leipzig Zoo gates. The cause of their passing left folks puzzled: was it a slip-up by humans, or a deadly pathogen that took them down?
As we approach the end of May, the mystery unravels.
Sepsis Strikes the Leipzig Zoo
By the end of March, whispers of Kio’s death shook the community, and the zoo's staff mourned the loss. A week later, the shockwave swept through once more—Kibara was gone, too. Initially, the vets suspected intestinal failure for Kibara while the examinations for Kio were still pending.
Fast forward one and a half months, and the cause of their deaths is clear as day: sepsis, ignited by highly infectious, toxin-producing E. coli bacteria that wreaked havoc on their intestines. Pathological findings substantiated this grim truth, which the zoo reported on the 23rd of May. As a result, saving the remaining gorillas from their ghastly fate became their top priority.
Mourning in Pongoland
The tragic turn of events left the remaining gorillas stricken. Silverback Abeeku exhibited unusual behavior, while female gorilla Kumili seemed to struggle coping with her deceased companions. At times, she also displayed a diminished appetite—leading to the question: was she falling ill too?
Can the Others be Saved?
Worried for the remaining gorillas, doctors and keepers took swift action. They provided replacements for various drinks, administered supplements to fortify their intestinal flora, and the dedicated efforts of the keepers who cautiously offered food to the gorillas throughout the day.
And, lo and behold, their efforts bore fruit. Calm returned to the group, and they resumed their regular feeding routine. The psychological trauma may linger for some time, but fortunately, the group seems to be in the clear for now.
Bonus Facts
- The E. coli bacteria that caused the gorillas' deaths are not uncommon in the gorilla population. However, this particular strain was highly infectious and produced toxins, making it potentially deadly[1].
- The loss of Kio and Kibara has placed added pressure on the conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the dwindling number of gorillas in their natural habitats[2].
[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819122416.htm[2] https://www.redlist.org/species/orang-utan-pus-mongorilla-gombe-stream-national-park/
In the aftermath of Kio and Kibara's demise, a dangerous pathogen emerged as the culprit: sepsis caused by highly infectious E. coli bacteria that attacked their intestines. This revelation underscores the importance of maintaining the health-and-wellness of all zoo residents, including our closest relatives, the gorillas.
Moreover, the tragic loss of Kio and Kibara has heightened the urgency for mental-health support within the remaining gorilla group, as Silverback Abeeku and female gorilla Kumili grapple with their grief, potentially impacting the group's overall health and fitness-and-exercise routines.
