JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens gave an update Wednesday on its efforts to keep animals safe after two bonobos and a gorilla died within days of each other from a Shigella infection.
First, Bulera, a 35-year-old female western lowland gorilla, was affected and died from the infection. Then, two brother bonobos, 28-year-old Jumanji and 13-year-old Jenga, died from it four days after the zoo announced Bulera’s death.
The zoo said the brothers had existing heart conditions, which made them more vulnerable to Shigella.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that can be spread through contaminated food, water or feces. It can affect humans but the Zoo stressed that there is no risk to the public.
“It mainly affects the intestines and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration,” Curator of Mammals Tracy Fenn said. “Unlike humans, apes are more susceptible to severe gastrointestinal infections, they can spread to other organs, making it harder to eradicate the infection.”
The Zoo said it noticed symptoms of the infection 10 days ago. Once the Animal Health and Care teams realized signs of the infection, they implemented strict biosecurity measures like the use of full PPE, restricting access to affected areas, and enhancing sanitation procedures.
Currently, there are 18 apes at the Zoo and a few of them remain under medical treatment for the infection.
“The gorillas are more impacted currently than the bonobos are. There are varying levels of recovery underway. One individual of the most concern is in a procedure currently. And then we have two others who are monitoring closely in the gorillas,” Fenn said. “Yesterday was a great day for bonobos. Actually, we were getting really excited this morning. One seems a little bit off, so we’re monitoring her very closely.”
The loss of the beloved animals has been difficult for the staff as they work “tirelessly” to support the other primates.
Though the team is struggling emotionally, they are doing their best to provide adequate care to the apes.
“The care and well-being of our animal residents are the heart of everything we do here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and those losses are felt deeply across our entire team,” Jacksonville Zoo President and CEO Jeff Ettling said.
If you are looking to help the Zoo, staff encourages you to visit jacksonvillezoo.org/shigella to donate.
Watch the entire news conference below: