CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of a 30-year-old gorilla.
The silverback gorilla named Kwashi was born at the Memphis Zoo in 1982 and arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo in May of 2010.
Zoo officials say they first noticed a change in Kwashi's eating habits on Sunday. By early Monday, the 320-pound gorilla was lethargic, unable to stand on his own and dehydrated. He died a short time later.
Officials say a necropsy performed Tuesday determined Kwashi died from a serious abdominal infection.
Officials have collected tissue samples and sent them to a pathologist. They say this information will allow zoos to continue to learn about the species.
The Cincinnati Zoo is currently home to seven gorillas.
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