The world’s oldest male gorilla, aged 61, has been found dead in his habitat at Zoo Atlanta in the United States, IgbereTV reports.
Named Ozzie, the gorilla was found lifeless on Tuesday by his care team.
The cause of death is, however, yet to be established.
It is understood that the zoo officials are still awaiting the results of a necropsy, although the western lowland gorilla, which was also the third-oldest of its kind in the world, was diagnosed with COVID-19 last September.
Veterinary staff had reported that Ozzie started experiencing a decrease in appetite last Thursday.
In a press release Zoo Atlanta said it was difficult to get him to eat during the days leading up to his passing.
They said Ozzie exhibited symptoms like facial swelling, weakness, and inability to eat or drink 24 hours before death.
“This is a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta. While we knew this time would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend,” Raymond B. King, Zoo Atlanta’s president, said.
