Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium held a press conference to address the recent string of animal deaths, shedding light on the challenges faced by the zoo staff amidst these losses. The zoo president and CEO, Dr. Jeremy Goodman, revealed that the zoo normally experiences 15-25 deaths of animals annually, but has recently mourned the loss of five animals.
During the conference, Dr. Goodman expressed profound sadness over the recent events and highlighted the zoo’s efforts to prioritize the well-being of its staff during this difficult time. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging both the joys and sorrows that come with zoo life, noting that sharing news of animal deaths with transparency is a new practice for the institution.
In response to the emotional toll on staff, the zoo provided grief counselors to support employees throughout the week. The recent casualties included Seahawk, an 18-year-old sea lion who passed away after displaying unusual behavior. Additionally, the zoo lost Tsuni, a two-year-old elephant, to elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, a prevalent disease among elephants.
On February 2nd, the zoo announced the death of Mrithi, their first Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla, at the age of 31. The gorilla succumbed during a medical procedure aimed at diagnosing his symptoms. Furthermore, the zoo mourned the loss of Kovu, a nine-year-old red panda, and Kit, a six-year-old African Lion, in recent months.
As the Pittsburgh Zoo grapples with these losses, our thoughts are with the dedicated staff facing these challenges. The zoo community continues to navigate these difficult times with resilience and compassion, honoring the memories of the beloved animals that have passed.