CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo has announced the death of its beloved Western lowland silverback gorilla, Jomo.
According to the zoo, Jomo passed away on Friday. Since being diagnosed with a degenerative, incurable spinal cord condition in 2019, he has had mobility issues and some close calls.
“Jomo has captured the hearts of countless people over the years, including my own,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s head gorilla keeper Ashley Ashcraft. “It has been a great honor that I have been able to spend 14 years with the best silverback around. From the first day I spent with him until the last, Jomo had taught me so much about gorillas but also life. He will forever inspire me as I remember him as a great leader for his family and a magnificent ambassador for his species.”
The zoo said Jomo sired three gorillas during the 17 years that he was at the Cincinnati Zoo. He was also a surrogate dad to Gladys since she was a baby.
Weighing in at 400 pounds, the zoo said he was a big gorilla.
“His size helped him to perform his silverback duties, which included protecting and leading the troop. He was a big softie when it comes to the kids. He was especially close to Mona, and often came to her defense when there was conflict,” said Ashcraft.
His troop, which consists of 9-year-old Gladys, 7-year-old Mona and 6-year-old Elle, among others, will be closely monitored and be given extra care and attention from their care team in the coming days, the zoo said.
In 2011 the Cincinnati Zoo, The Christ Hospital and Toshiba teamed up for a preventative study to perform an awake cardiac ultrasound (also known as an echocardiogram or an echo) on Jomo.
To date, heart disease is the #1 cause of mortality in zoo gorillas, the zoo said. The data collected aids nationwide scientific research.
The Cincinnati Zoo says it has been caring for gorillas since 1931 and has made significant contributions to gorilla populations in zoos across the country.
To read more about Jomo, you can visit the zoo’s website.