Elaine, a 42-year-old female gorilla, died early Tuesday afternoon at The Toledo Zoo.

A necropsy performed Tuesday revealed abnormalities in the adrenal glands, kidneys and lungs. Further tests are pending to determine the significance of the lesions.

Elaine had a decreased appetite on Friday, and by Saturday she had developed an intermittent dry cough, trembling, lethargy and labored respiration. Treatment was begun and she appeared to be responding and slowly improving over the next two days. However, on Tuesday morning she was minimally responsive and was immobilized for an examination. Preliminary diagnostics indicated potential kidney failure and treatment was started. She died during recovery. None of the other gorillas at The Toledo Zoo are currently exhibiting any symptoms.

According to the Zoo’s executive director, Dr. Anne Baker, “It’s difficult to lose such a beloved animal. Caring for geriatric animals such as Elaine requires a special focus, and it’s through the efforts of the animal care staff that our animals experience not only longevity, but also an excellent quality of life in their advanced years.” The life expectancy for gorillas in zoo settings is about 31 years; only about 28 percent of gorillas in zoo settings reach the age of 42.

Elaine was born in the wild, and is owned by Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. She came to The Toledo Zoo in 1991. Although she had no offspring of her own, she served as a surrogate mother to two young gorillas.

The Toledo Zoo is currently home to eight gorillas: five females (Johari, Kitani, Nia Lewa, Dara and Malaika) and three males (Bwenzi, Juba and silverback Kwisha).

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