A Heavy Loss at Leipzig Zoo: Grieving over the Gorillas
Zoo Leipzig: Death of Two Gorillas Prompts Emotional Confession from Caregiver - "Many Tears Were Shed"
Leipzig Zoo caretakers dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their creatures. They feed them, cuddle them, and, in doing so, forge a special bond. It's no walk in the park when an animal falls sick or passes away. The caretakers feel the anguish. The recent demise of two gorillas was a gut-wrenching experience, especially since the cause remained uncertain for a prolonged period. In the "Elephant, Tiger & Co" documentary series, a caretaker spoke publicly for the first time about this heart-rending period.
The Grief in the Gorilla Enclosure: An Emotional Rollercoaster
The tragic news unfolded in late March: Gorilla Kio had succumbed. Soon after, Gorilla Kibara followed suit. Both perished from sepsis caused by coli bacteria. For the caretakers at Leipzig Zoo, this was a heavy blow. The priority now was to ensure that no other animals had been infected. Alongside veterinarians, they swiftly implemented necessary safety measures.
Procuring Peace at the Zoo: Watching Vigilantly
Though the rest of the gorilla group appears healthy now, and calmness is slowly returning to the enclosure, the feelings of shock run deep. Since the gorillas' demise, the behavior of the survivors has palpably changed. "This loss had a profound impact on the gorilla group," shares caretaker Daniel Geissler. The animals and caretakers are grappling with the loss equally. Daniel is now taking extra precautions to monitor the enclosure. "We still have an additional watchful eye on our gorillas,” he says. He's scrutinizing their food consumption and faeces closely.
The Change in Appetite: A Sign of Distress
For Daniel, the animals' appetite is of particular concern - the larger, the better. Today's feast includes kohlrabi, celery, and leek. And the animals are eating. Each one takes something and tucks in - not always a given. Daniel remembers, "Immediately after the loss, there was particular worry about gorilla female Kumili. She barely ate anything." Silverback Abeeku also mourned profoundly. "He called and cried a lot for the first two weeks," the caretaker recounts. Kibara was his preferred partner, and her death left a heavy imprint.
Time Heals: Rebuilding Dynamics
All four surviving gorillas are now eating regularly again. This is an encouraging sign for Daniel and his team. They are aware, however, that the group needs time. Time to reorganize. "All relationships need to be reestablished from scratch," says Daniel. Along with veterinarian Dr. Andreas Bernhard, he will continue to keep a watchful eye on the group and support the gorillas in their journey towards healing.
Meanwhile, you can catch the entire episode of "Elephant, Tiger & Co." >>>HERE<<*
- In the aftermath of their losses, the caretakers at Leipzig Zoo are paying particular attention to the eating habits of their gorillas, a crucial aspect of their home-and-garden lifestyle that offers insights into their well-being.
- As the survivors grapple with the loss of Kio and Kibara, Leipzig Zoo caretakers are working diligently to restore the gorillas' lifestyle back to normal, hoping that time will help them rebuild their relationships and heal.
