Zoo Leipzig: Following the demise of Kio and Kibara, the absence of these two is undeniable.
Leipzig Zoo Gorillas Die of Sepsis Caused by "E. coli" Bacteria
The deaths of western lowland gorillas Kio and Kibara at Leipzig Zoo left many people in mourning, with questions about the cause of their demise. After extensive investigations, the zoo has now confirmed the cause: both gorillas succumbed to sepsis due to highly infectious "E. coli" bacteria producing toxins, causing severe intestinal damage.
The tragic news of Kio's death broke at the end of March, followed by the deterioration and subsequent death of Kibara a week later. Initial suspicion pointed to intestinal failure in Kibara, while investigations for Kio were ongoing.
Now, one and a half months later, both cases have been conclusively linked to sepsis. The final pathological findings revealed this was the cause of death. The nightmare for the Leipzig Zoo does not end there, as the surviving gorillas were affected by the loss of their companions.
The remaining gorillas, silverback male Abeeku and female gorilla Kumili, showed signs of distress. Abeeku exhibited unusual behavior, while Kumili appeared to struggle with her grief, sometimes losing appetite. Worries mounted that she too might be ill.
Immediate action was taken to save the remaining gorillas from suffering the same fate. Veterinarians and keepers implemented measures such as administering supplements to stabilize intestinal flora, providing substitute substances in various drinks, and offering small amounts of food to the group throughout the day. Thankfully, their efforts have proven successful, as calm has returned to the four-member group, and they are now back on a normal feeding routine.
Although the surviving animals are no longer in immediate danger, they continue to face psychological stress due to the loss of their friends. The infection that claimed Kio and Kibara serves as a stark reminder of the contagious nature of such pathogens and the importance of vigilant biosecurity measures in captive settings.
No additional information was provided regarding the potential role of the monkeypox virus in the gorillas' deaths. However, it is essential to note that increasing awareness of zoonotic infections, such as monkeypox, is crucial to understanding and preventing the transmission of such diseases between animals and humans.
Mental health of the remaining gorillas, Abeeku and Kumili, is a growing concern due to the loss of their companions Kio and Kibara. The tragic incident has highlighted the importance of science, specifically in understanding the contagious nature of pathogens like E. coli and other zoonotic infections such as monkeypox, for the health-and-wellness of both animals and humans in captive settings and beyond fitness-and-exercise routines.
