This week, the St. Louis Zoo lost one of its beloved western lowland gorillas, “Little Joe,” who passed away of a heart attack at the age of twenty-six.
The zoo released the news on their Facebook page this past Sunday.
“It is with incredible sadness we share that western lowland gorilla Little Joe, who had been in treatment for heart disease, died of a heart attack overnight May 4th.”
Joe’s wonderful personality and lovable grumpy face endeared him to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”
Yahoo News
According to the zoo, Little Joe was known for his intelligence. Signs at Joe’s enclosure refer to him as Joe, The Professor. Joe also used tools such as sticks and rocks. Little Joe’s passing occurred while he was undergoing treatment for heart disease. It is believed that he passed away in his sleep.
It is with incredible sadness we share that western lowland gorilla Little Joe, who had been in treatment for heart disease, died of a heart attack overnight May 4th.
— Saint Louis Zoo (@stlzoo) May 5, 2024
Joe’s wonderful personality and lovable grumpy face endeared him to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/n0qHrbLKwh
The zoo staff stated that Joe was always near the guest viewing areas because he loved to watch people. They mentioned that he will be remembered for his “wonderful personality and lovable grumpy face.”
Joe spent over twenty years at the Saint Louis Zoo, where he arrived in November 2005. During that time, Joe developed a close friendship with his gorilla companion, Bakari. Recently, he has been getting to know the new juvenile males, Kayin and Zachary, as they adjust to their new home.
A 27-year-old gorilla named Juma died in 2015 at the Saint Louis Zoo from heart disease. The Director Animal Health said that it is one of the most common causes of death in gorillas. Gorillas live 30 to 40 years in the wild.
Yahoo News
Rest in peace!
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