Sudden Passing of Kimya, the Western Lowland Gorilla at Melbourne Zoo – Melbourne Zoo is heartbroken to announce the sudden death of Kimya, a 20-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla, who passed away unexpectedly this morning. The cause of her death remains unknown, and veterinarians are currently conducting a necropsy (animal autopsy) to determine the exact cause. Kimya’s passing has left the zoo community and visitors in shock, as she was a beloved and familiar figure at Melbourne Zoo, adored for her intelligence, maternal qualities, and role in raising awareness about endangered species.
Kimya arrived at Melbourne Zoo in 2013 from the Taronga Conservation Society in Sydney. She quickly formed a bond with Otana, a 24-year-old male gorilla, and the two became a significant pair in the zoo’s gorilla family. In 2015, Kimya and Otana became the proud parents of Kanzi, Melbourne Zoo’s first gorilla born in 15 years. Kanzi’s birth was a notable achievement, bringing attention to the zoo’s breeding and conservation efforts. Kimya’s nurturing role as a mother was pivotal, as she gently taught Kanzi the essential survival skills needed to thrive as a gorilla.
Kimya was known for her intelligence and independence, traits that endeared her to both zoo staff and visitors. The primate keeping team remembers her as an observant and perceptive individual, capable of connecting with her keepers and forming meaningful relationships with others in her group. As a mother, she was loving and attentive, demonstrating a strong instinct to care for her young. Visitors frequently admired her calm demeanor and her ability to engage with them in a way that highlighted her natural behaviors, drawing attention to the plight of her species in the wild.
In addition to her important role as a mother, Kimya became an ambassador for gorilla conservation. Through campaigns like They’re Calling On You, which raised awareness about the threats facing Western Lowland Gorillas in the wild, Kimya played a part in educating the public on the importance of protecting endangered species. Western Lowland Gorillas are critically endangered, and Kimya’s presence at Melbourne Zoo helped spotlight the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their future survival.
Kimya’s sudden passing has left a deep void at Melbourne Zoo. Many of her keepers had worked with her for over a decade and formed strong, emotional connections with her. The zoo is now focused on supporting the team who had worked closely with her and providing them with the necessary care during this difficult time. Melbourne Zoo encourages the public to share their memories of Kimya and reflect on the special moments they shared with her. As a member of the gorilla family, Kimya’s legacy will continue to inspire those who were touched by her presence.
The zoo has expressed its gratitude for the many years of joy that Kimya brought to her caretakers, fellow gorillas, and the visitors who had the privilege of experiencing her gentle nature. As the zoo works to determine the cause of her unexpected death, Kimya’s memory will live on as a cherished part of Melbourne Zoo’s history and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.