 |
| Koundu |
Kounda died while was undergoing a routine medical procedure by the zoo's clinical veterinarian and member of the Great Ape Cardiac Health Working Group, Dr. Stephanie McCain.
Koundu was born Oct. 6, 1975, and weighed 400 pounds. He was born at Howlett's Wild Animal Park in England. Koundu has been a part of the Birmingham Zoo family since 2010 when he moved from Busch Gardens Tampa with his son, Cenzoo.
Koundu was often seen with his son. Cenzoo is 15 years old and still resides at the Birmingham Zoo.
The purpose of Koundu's immobilization was a preventive measure to check his overall well-being. The zoo's primates are examined daily.
Koundu's favorite food was Romaine lettuce. He could eat an entire head of lettuce in 3 bites.
Currently, there are no plans for a companion for Cenzoo. The Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Gorilla Taxon Advisory group and Species Survival Plan will make a recommendation for companionship for Cenzoo.
A gross necropsy indicates that Koundu died from cardiac tamponade secondary to complications due to a dissecting aneurism of the ascending aorta. The heart and affected great vessels are being preserved and sent to a veterinary pathologist who specializes in great ape cardiac disease. Further investigation will be conducted, according to the zoo.
No comments:
Post a Comment