Beloved gorilla euthanized

Muke, Hogle Zoo's beloved 44-year-old female western lowland gorilla, was euthanized Monday after a yearlong battle with uterine cancer.

Within the last week, it had become clear Muke's quality of life was drastically diminishing, and zoo staff collectively made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her Monday afternoon. Muke was born in 1965 and had lived at the zoo since 1996.

"All of our animals are very important to us, and Muke is no exception," said Nancy Carpenter, associate director of animal health. "After her surgery last year, she improved to the point that keepers described her as being like a teenager again. Still, we all knew that the day would come that the cancer would return, and that day was a few weeks ago. The necropsy (animal autopsy) confirmed the diagnosis that the cancer had spread. … It is always hard to lose such special animals."

The zoo announced on March 13 that the gorilla was in her last days of life.

Muke had many extra visitors the past 10 days, according to zoo spokeswoman Holly Braithwaite. "We had a lot of people in that area … fairly big crowds," she said.

The gorilla especially enjoyed the perfect spring weather last weekend and moved about outside.

A memory book where zoo visitors and staff can share thoughts and stories about Muke is available in the Great Ape Building in the lobby near the gorilla exhibit.

Animal-care staff began watching Muke closely after she showed symptoms connected with reproductive issues.

The symptoms are similar to what women exhibit in connection with uterine cancer. Last spring, veterinarians (along with local oncologists) operated on Muke to determine the extent of the cancer throughout her reproductive organs. At the time, officials felt they were successful in removing enough cancer to extend the gorilla's life, though the cancer was too far advanced for any remission.

Western lowland gorillas live an average of 35 to 45 years, according to Zoo.org. The oldest known gorilla of that type lived to age 54.

The zoo has one other gorilla, 33-year-old Tino.

Braithwaite said there's no guarantee the zoo will replace Muke, but that option will be explored.

The animal-care staff has noticed that Tino seems to know something is up, she said. "He's been seeking her (Muke)."

Misha, a 27-year-old African elephant, was the last animal to die at the zoo. Misha was euthanized last September because of declining health.

The last gorilla to die at the zoo was Gorgeous, who at 50 was the world's oldest living gorilla in captivity at the time of her passing in October 1999.

The zoo later erected a statue of that gorilla. Braithwaite said the zoo has not discussed the possibility of a permanent memorial for Muke.

E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com