One of the oldest gorillas died at a California zoo (4 photos)

The male gorilla Winston lived a long life at the San Diego Safari Park, California. Representatives of the zoo announced his death on July 13, noting that the ward had been treated for a long time for age-related ailments.





The primate lived 20 years longer than usual, he was 52 years old. He had recently suffered from heart problems and degenerative joint and kidney diseases.

The animal was euthanized after "careful consideration of further complications arising from its deteriorating condition," park officials said.



Winston was a western lowland gorilla who was born in the wild and later ended up with a private owner in England.

He arrived at the San Diego Zoo in 1984 and became known as a "patient, kind and compassionate leader."





In 2021, Winston was cured of COVID-19, which is when his heart disease was discovered.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said Winston will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Western lowland gorillas typically weigh up to 150 kg, can grow up to 1.8 m tall, and are critically endangered, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

These animals are typically found in the dense and remote tropical forests of Africa, but the majority of the population lives in the swampy areas of the Republic of Congo.



In the wild, gorillas live 30-40 years, and in captivity - up to 50 years.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the world's oldest gorilla, Fatu, celebrated his 67th birthday in Germany in April.