California

Baby Gorilla Death of “Kabibe” Prompts Changes at San Francisco Zoo

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco Zoo officials say that in the wake of a baby gorilla death the zoo will retrofit its 30-year-old gorilla enclosure doors.
 
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the changes are recommendations by an expert the zoo hired to investigate the death of a 16-month-old gorilla named Kabibe.

The animal died Nov. 7 when she unexpectedly darted under the electric door as it closed.
 
Dr. Terry Maple, a gorilla expert, recommended the zoo update its doors, require two keepers to be in the enclosure when the gorillas are being moved, hire a gorilla specialist and install a backup generator in the building.
 
In a statement, zoo Executive Director Tanya Peterson said the recommendations allow the zoo to move forward and to ``ensure the future of this precious gorilla family and their critically endangered species.''

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us