Young gorilla Moos died in Safaripark Beekse Bergen

It is with sadness that we share the news that the young western lowland gorilla Moos passed away unexpectedly. Animal caretakers discovered his death on Wednesday morning, Feb. 5. The cause of death is being investigated by Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Moos was born at Safaripark on July 15, 2020, and was the second gorilla cub ever to be born here. He lived in a group that included his parents, Tuena and Komale, and half-sister Mies.

Since late January he showed signs of illness; he was coughing and less active and was being treated for that. "We are shocked and saddened by his sudden death," said zookeeper Judith van der Loo. "Moos was a special character within the group: he was active and often hung out with the Black crested mangabey living in the same stay. His health was a bit more fragile from a young age; he suffered from minor ailments more often. Regardless, his death is a great loss, for the group and for the caretakers who lovingly cared for him for many years. "

Gorillas live in close family groups and a death has an impact on the group. The other gorillas were therefore given time to say goodbye in their own way before the body was removed for further examination in Utrecht.