JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A fourth primate at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has died after suffering from Shigella, a bacterial infection that’s affecting apes at the zoo.
Kevin was a three-year-old western lowland gorilla and a visitor favorite.
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His death comes after Bulera, a 35-year-old western lowland gorilla and two brother bonobos, 28-year-old Jumanji and 13-year-old Jenga died from the infection in late August.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the intestines, and 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.
Kevin was born in April 2021 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to his father Lash and his mother Madini. He was the youngest of his troop and was described by the zoo as ‘playful and spirited.’
“He fought very hard against the infection, showing signs of recovery at times,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “Despite the dedicated efforts of our Animal Health and Care teams, who worked around the clock to save him, Kevin was unable to overcome the illness.”
The loss of the beloved animals has been difficult for the staff as they work “tirelessly” to support the other primates.
If you are looking to help the Zoo, staff encourages you to visit jacksonvillezoo.org/shigella to donate.
You can read the full post from the zoo below.