Louisville Zoo mourns loss of 50-year-old female gorilla

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Louisville Zoo made the difficult decision to euthanize 50-year-old Demba today.  Demba had been diagnosed with endocarditis, a heart valve infection, back in 2013.

Demba survived this life-threatening infection with help from the local medical community, and continued to live another seven years. Keepers and veterinary staff have been closely monitoring her as her heart disease progressed.  As Demba’s quality of life recently declined, staff deliberated and decided that euthanasia was the most appropriate option.

A necropsy and complete pathologic examination will be performed.

Demba was housed with Helen, the second oldest western lowland gorilla in the world and the oldest in the North American managed populations at nearly 63 years of age.  The flexibility of the space at Gorilla Forest will allow the staff to provide for Helen’s needs following the loss of Demba.

The median life expectancy of a female gorilla in managed care is about 39 years.

“Demba’s story is one we are all very proud of,” said Senior Staff Veterinarian Dr. Zoli Gyimesi.  “To diagnose, treat, and survive a bout of endocarditis was remarkable, and then to manage her condition in the years following is a testament to the great care provided to the animals.”

Demba was born at the Dallas Zoo in Texas, spent some time at the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania, and came to the Louisville Zoo in December of 2006.