Calgary Sun
Tue, August 14, 2007
Gorilla mourned
UPDATED: 2007-08-14 02:12:53 MST

Calgary Zoo forced to euthanize chronically ill animal

By DAVE DORMER, SUN MEDIA

Veterinarians at the Calgary Zoo were forced to euthanize one of their Western Lowland Gorillas last week after the animal developed a series of painful abdominal abscesses that did not respond to treatment.

Donge, a 22-year-old female battled diverticulitits -- a painful, chronic condition that affects the large intestine -- for the past four years and underwent a series of surgeries, including four last month, said gorilla keeper Garth Irvine.

The animal had been losing weight rapidly since May, said Irvine, and the decision was made Friday to euthanize her.

"Absolutely it was a tough decision," he said, describing Donge as sweet and quiet.

Born in captivity at a zoo in Stuttgart, Germany, Donge came to Calgary in 1988 as part of the Species Survival Plan, which promotes genetic diversity in captive gorilla populations.

Three Western Lowland gorillas remain at the zoo -- a silverback and two females -- and Irvine said they are adjusting to Donge's death.

Animal protection groups are blasting Donge's death.

Rob Laidlaw, executive director of Zoocheck Canada, called it proof great apes should not be held in captivity here.

"I certainly hope it's a sign that the Calgary Zoo will recognize and that they'll get out of the business of keeping great apes," he said.

Donge was the fourth gorilla to die at the Calgary Zoo in the last year.

But Irvine defended the zoo, saying the animal's welfare is their utmost concern.

"I don't think they have a lot of credibility," he said.

"We're a very celebrated facility and we're looked at as professionals and world leaders in our field and this has just been a really, really crappy year."

Sun Media Corporation