Gorilla found dead at St. Louis Zoo

Sunday, March 1, 2009 | 10:12 a.m. CST
BY The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — A gorilla at the St. Louis Zoo has been found accidentally strangled in his sleeping cage.

Zookeepers said they found the body of 8-year-old Muchana tangled in some rope Saturday morning. Assistant general curator Bill Houston told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch that it appeared Muchana managed to pull apart some of the rope used for climbing and it became wrapped around his neck.

Zoo veterinarians couldn't revive the gorilla.

Muchana's death comes two weeks after a hairless chimpanzee at the zoo, named Cinder, died of an unknown cause. Tests are pending.

Meanwhile, Jade, a 2-year-old Asian elephant, has been fighting a potentially lethal strain of herpes for several weeks. Houston said Jade was improving.

 

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Comments

Hamadi Mosbahi March 1, 2009 | 12:49 p.m.

I wanted to let you know how sorry i was to hear about the loss of your young male gorilla.
My thoughts and prayers are with the gorilla and the zoo staff.
I am a gorilla lover and the news really made me sad.
My thoughts are with the gorilla keepers as they grieve this great loss.
Sincerely a primate lover.

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