A gorilla, a polar bear and a giraffe have died within a few days of each other at the San Diego Zoo in the United States. All three animals had lived at the zoo for decades.
On August 14, Kalluk, a 24-year-old polar bear, and Nicky, a 28-year-old Masai giraffe, were euthanized due to age-related health issues.
Maka, a 30-year-old western lowland gorilla, died of a cardiac event on August 18.
Polar bear Kalluk
Kalluk arrived at the zoo in 2001 as an orphaned cub, along with his sister Tatqiq and another orphaned polar bear, Chinook. The three cubs had lost their mothers in the wild and were brought to the zoo for long-term care.
Since then, they have lived at the zoo’s Polar Bear Plunge habitat.
Staff described him as calm, curious, and adventurous. He was considered a strong but gentle presence in the group.
The decision to euthanize Kalluk was made after a review of his health condition by veterinary and care experts. They said the decision was made to prevent further suffering and was based on compassion and respect for his well-being.
After his passing, Tatqiq and Chinook were allowed to be near him to say their goodbyes. The zoo said that grief is felt amongst all animals.
Giraffe Nicky
Nicky, a 28-year-old Masai giraffe, was the matriarch of the giraffe herd at the San Diego Zoo. She was euthanized due to age-related health issues. She was believed to be the oldest Masai giraffe in North America.
Nicky arrived at the zoo in 1999 and was the herd’s longest resident. In recent years, she had shown signs of aging. Zoo staff provided ongoing care to keep her comfortable, but her health declined sharply last week.
After monitoring her condition, the zoo’s wildlife care team decided to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
As the matriarch, Nicky played an important role in the social structure of the herd. She gave birth to five calves during her time at the zoo. Her son, Chifu, is now the leading male in the group, and her grandson, Madoadoa, was born just last month.
In her final hours, Nicky was given special attention. She was offered leaves from her favorite tree, and former caregivers were invited to visit her and say goodbye.
Gorilla Maka
Maka, a 30-year-old western lowland gorilla, had been under close observation by the zoo’s health team after experiencing recent seizures.
Maka was born at the San Diego Zoo and lived his entire life there. At the age of five, he was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities. Despite the condition, he lived a long life with ongoing medical care.
Zoo officials said he exceeded expectations in terms of health and behavior, and that he was active and strong throughout his life.
He was the leader of the zoo’s bachelor troop, guiding his younger companions, Ekuba and Denny. Staff described him as a calm and steady influence in the group.
Zoo officials said the medical team did everything they could to save him after the cardiac event, but he did not survive. He died surrounded by members of the wildlife care team who had worked with him for many years.
After Maka’s death, his troop members were given time to be near his body.
The San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 animals. Zoo staff said that losing three animals in one week has been one of the most difficult times in recent memory.
