Pittsburgh Zoo Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Gorilla, Ivan
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Djembe, a western lowland gorilla silverback known to the public as Ivan. The 11-year-old gorilla passed away on October 23, 2024, after experiencing cardiac arrest during a medical procedure.
Ivan had been under the care of the zoo’s highly qualified veterinary team, assisted by a group of external experts, including a double board-certified specialist in zoological medicine and anesthesiology, a cardiologist, and an emergency pulmonary cardiologist. Despite their collaborative efforts, Ivan experienced cardiac arrest during the procedure. While the silverback had shown no pre-existing conditions, gorillas are known to be highly susceptible to cardiac diseases, leading the zoo to involve additional specialists to ensure his care. A post-mortem examination is underway to determine more details about the cause of his passing.
Born at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on April 11, 2013, Ivan quickly captured the hearts of visitors and staff alike. He was hand-raised by dedicated staff and volunteers, who spent around-the-clock hours with him for five months before successfully reintroducing him to his troop.
“Ivan was known and loved for his deep happy rumbles and playful personality,” said Kelsey Forbes, Curator of Mammals. “He always put a smile on keepers’ faces with his antics.”
A favorite among zoo visitors, Ivan served as a cherished ambassador for his species. His loss marks a difficult moment for the Pittsburgh Zoo community, as the bond shared with this beloved gorilla extended beyond the enclosures. Zoo staff invite guests to share their memories of Ivan on the zoo’s social media platforms as a way to honor his memory.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium expressed gratitude to all specialists who aided in Ivan’s care and reaffirmed their committed to the ongoing study and welfare of its animal residents.
For more information, visit the official Pittsburgh Zoo website by Clicking Here.
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