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Credit: San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo Welcomes Millions of Visitors Each Year
The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is one of the most renowned zoos in the world.
Covering 100 acres, it houses over 3,500 animals across more than 650 species and subspecies. Established in 1916, the zoo is celebrated for its expansive and naturalistic habitats, innovative animal care practices, and commitment to conservation and education.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
Notable exhibits include the Elephant Odyssey, the Lost Forest, and the Polar Bear Plunge. Each year, the San Diego Zoo attracts approximately 4 million visitors, making it one of the most visited zoos in the United States.
The Death of a Celebrity at the Zoo
Winston, one of the oldest male gorillas in the world and a primate of near-celebrity status at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, died on Saturday. He was 52 years old.
The giant animal, lovingly called “Winston the Wonderful,” was a western lowland gorilla. He was euthanized Saturday, per zoo officials. According to an Instagram post from the safari park, Winston had been experiencing many age-related conditions, including heart, kidney, and joint diseases.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
In the post, officials with the San Diego Zoo remembered Winston with the following tribute:
This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing nature, and heart of gold. Winston served as the protector of his family and was recognized as one of the oldest silverbacks in the world.
Wildlife care teams monitoring Winston’s heart noticed signs of decline in recent years, and he had been receiving medical treatments for several age-related conditions, including heart disease, degenerative joint disease, and kidney disease.
Winston’s wildlife care specialists described him as representing “the best of us,” and his contributions to gorilla conservation will continue to improve the lives of great apes around the world for generations to come.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
Visitors to the Southern California zoo and wildlife alliance enjoyed seeing Winston and admired him for his gentle demeanor. Scientists cherished him as he contributed to his critically endangered species, fathering nine offspring.
One of the Oldest Gorillas in the World
Winston, the oldest gorilla in the world, quickly became a symbol of resilience and longevity.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
He was born in the wild in Central Africa, and when he was young, he faced numerous challenges related to survival within a dense rainforest environment. Rescued from a precarious situation as a young gorilla, Winston was brought to an animal sanctuary, where he received the care and protection needed to thrive.
Over the decades, Winston’s life in captivity has been carefully managed to ensure his well-being, with diet, medical care, and social interaction tailored to meet the needs of an aging gorilla.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
Winston’s longevity is a testament to the advancements in veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, and habitat enrichment practices that have been developed over the years.
Winston Served As a Link to the Past
As a living link to the past, Winston played a crucial role in educating the public about gorillas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures in the wild.
Credit: San Diego Zoo
Through his story, Winston will continue to inspire efforts to preserve gorilla populations and their natural habitats for future generations.
