Winston, a popular attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and a western lowland gorilla, passed away at the age of 52 due to various health issues, according to officials.
Winston was put to sleep on Saturday, according to the park, after doctors found that his condition was getting worse.Winston, a popular attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and a western lowland gorilla, passed away at the age of 52 due to various health issues, according to officials.
Winston was put to sleep on Saturday, according to the park, after doctors found that his condition was getting worse.
“After careful consideration stemming from furthering complications from his worsening conditions, and with Winston’s quality of life top of mind, wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him,” the zoo stated.
According to a Sunday story in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Winston was one of the oldest male gorillas in a U.S. zoo.
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“This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing nature, and heart of gold,” the zoo statement stated.
According to officials, Winston had received treatment in the past few years for a number of “age-related conditions,” such as kidney disease, degenerative joint disease, and heart disease.
The gorilla was taken in by a private owner in England after it was born in the wild. According to the Union-Tribune, Winston fathered nine children since moving to the San Diego safari park in 1984. He is also the grandfather of eight children and the great-grandfather of one.
