Fourth ape dies from infection at Jacksonville Zoo

A fourth ape has died from a shigella infection that has been plaguing animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for weeks, the Florida zoo announced on Facebook this week.

Kevin, a 3-year-old western lowland gorilla, “succumbed to the illness,” the zoo said.

“He fought very hard against the infection, showing signs of recovery at times,” the zoo said. “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.”

Last month, the zoo reported that three other apes — one other lowland gorilla and two brother bonobo moneys — had died from the shigella outbreak and that other apes were being treated for symptoms.

The zoo said it is “focused on addressing the needs of the apes, working tirelessly to support the animals through their recovery.”

“Many of the apes” are “at various stages of treatment and recovery,” the zoo wrote, adding that it continues “to experience significant progress.”

But, as the zoo said, shigella is “highly infectious” and recovery “may take time to fully resolve.”

Shigella is a bacteria that causes shigellosis, which affects intestines and causes symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and dehydration, the zoo said. It added that the infection typically spreads through feces, food and water and can be more severe in the ape population.

“We continue to exercise strict biosecurity measures and closely monitor the situation,” the zoo said of the outbreak.

Kevin was born in April 2021 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to father Lash and mother Madini, the zoo said.