Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden mourns loss of 16-year-old gorilla, Anju

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is mourning after the death of one of its beloved western lowland gorillas.

Anju, the mother of 2-year-old Elle, died Wednesday of heart failure, zoo officials said on Facebook. She was 16 years old.

According to zookeepers, Anju became lethargic and gained a lot of weight at the end of November. An ultrasound revealed she had a congenital, terminal heart condition.

“This is a devastating loss for us. Prior to becoming symptomatic a couple of months ago, Anju had a normal appetite and was taking great care of her two-year-old daughter, Elle,” said Ron Evans, Cincinnati Zoo curator of primates.

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The zoo said young females like Anju are not in the high-risk category and her congenital abnormality was odd for a gorilla.

Now, the zoo is focused on taking care of Elle, who was Anju's only offspring.

"Elle is strong and well established in a group of three experienced mothers including one adoptive mother. She has two age-related siblings, Mona and Gladys, that she is very tight with and a super silverback, Jomo, for a father," the zoo said. "The gorilla team is focusing on helping her make a smooth transition."