Local News

Franklin Park Zoo docs trying to determine cause of gorilla’s ailments

The 38-year-old gorilla is considered critically endangered.

Kitombe, a western lowland gorilla, is considered critically endangered. He is undergoing medical treatment to address his “concerning health issues." Franklin Park Zoo

By Lindsay Shachnow

December 5, 2024

2 minutes to read

A gorilla living at the Franklin Park Zoo will be evaluated for “concerning health issues,” the Boston zoo announced Wednesday.

Kitombe, affectionately known as “Kit,” will be put under anesthesia Thursday to allow veterinary staff to examine him.

“While Kit had initially responded positively to antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, the worsening of his condition requires a comprehensive exam to better identify the cause of his current ailments and what, if any, options are for treatment,” Dr. Christopher Bonar, Zoo New England Director of Animal Health, said in the statement. “While the risks associated with anesthesia are extremely high for Kit, given his age and current health condition, the examination is critical.”

Brandi Baitchman does training exercises with Kit, a silverback gorilla, at Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester on Aug. 23, 2011. *Globe Staff Photo/Wendy Maeda*

Kitombe, a male western lowland gorilla, is being closely monitored by his care team as his condition has deteriorated rapidly, the zoo said in a statement. Western lowland gorillas, found in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola, and Central African Republic, are considered critically endangered.

Over the last 20 to 25 years, the number of western lowland gorillas has declined by more than 60% as a result of poaching and disease, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Kitombe, a geriatric gorilla at age 38, has been treated for glaucoma as well as heart disease, the statement said. In the past several months, Kitombe has been experiencing a chronic cough, weight and muscle mass loss, lethargy, and trembling, according to zoo officials.

Kitombe also underwent an anesthetic evaluation in June, which included a general physical examination, blood work, and a cardiac exam, to address “health issues that have not improved with medication,” the zoo said earlier this year.

Kitombe, one of six gorillas at the Franklin Park Zoo, has lived at the zoo for over 25 years.

Kitombe and his mate Kiki have five offspring, including Kambiri, Aziza, and Pablo. Their oldest two gorillas live at other zoos.

Kitombe’s son Pablo gets a ride on Kiki’s back. *David L Ryan/Globe Staff*

“Kit, father of five, is very dedicated to his family,” the zoo wrote of Kitombe. “He loves building large, soft nests to sleep in. He’s even taught his offspring his art of nest-making!”