A few days ago, Woodland Park Zoo's oldest animal, 50-year-old Amanda, was euthanized due to a severe health decline. Her health issues had initially been examined late last year, momentarily recovering at that time.
Amanda, born in Cameroon, first arrived in Seattle from Toronto Zoo 26 years ago. At Woodland, she raised her three daughters N'gozi, Calaya, and Uzumma, and joined a gorilla family.
Last year, Amanda was recovering from geriatric issues. The radiologists and an ophthalmologist worked together to conduct an exam including 'abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds, and diagnosis and treatment for visual issues.'
Her health problems were age-related. 49 years old at that time, Amanda was struggling to finish her meals and became less active. She was also well ahead of the life expectancy of gorillas in the natural range, which is around 30-35 years.
Nancy Hawkes, Animal Care Director at the zoo, shared that 'our zoo family and community have long shared a special connection with our gorillas. But, like people, we have to accept that animal age.' She also celebrated that day when 'Amanda ate her entire breakfast today, a good sign of recovering,' and that the mother gorilla will continue to receive showers of extra love from their team.
Baby Kitoko
The 50-year-old gorilla was not only a mother but recently became a grandmother 2 ½ months ago when Uzumma gave birth to Kitoko who became the zoo's first male gorilla to be born within their quarters. He also made headlines a few days ago when he was hospitalized.
A family conflict of six gorillas turned violent over the weekend where Kitoko suffered serious head injuries, 'including a laceration from a bite wound, resulting in a bone fracture to the skull,' shared Dr. Darin Collins, Director of Animal Health. On Saturday, surveillance footage led to the theory that one of the other adult females bit the baby boy while arguing with Uzumma. As an extra precaution, Kitoko was temporarily separated from his mother.
Amanda did not seem the be a part of the conflict as she stayed in an off-view, indoor den due to her conditions. Martin Ramirez, mammal curator at Woodland Park Zoo shared, "known for her sweet disposition and being an exceptionally good mom, Amanda showed attentive, nurturing maternal love and care for her daughters.
Severe Health Decline
It was the continued decline of the same health concerns, alongside her visual impairment and decreased activity, which led to the decision to humanely euthanized the beloved Amanda. Her interactions were limited to sounds, smell, and touch with her caretakers and other gorillas as she grew weaker each day.
Weeks before her death, a team from the zoo constructed a sunning yard so Amanda could have fresh air and enjoy the spring sunshine.
For 26 years at Woodland Park Zoo, Amanda offered a window into the magnificent world of gorillas for our zoo family and community," says Ramirez, 'We are going to deeply miss this beautiful animal. We're grateful Amanda lived a long, vibrant life thanks to the love and care provided by our animal care and animal health teams.'
