Beloved Pittsburgh Zoo Gorilla Ivan Dies Suddenly

PITTSBURGH, PA —The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has lost one of its most popular animals. Djembe, a western lowland gorilla silverback known to the public as Ivan, died suddenly.

Zoo officials said Ivan suffered cardiac arrest while undergoing a medical procedure at the zoo Thursday. Though Ivan showed no pre-existing conditions, gorillas – whose hearts are very similar to human hearts – are known for being highly susceptible to cardiac disease.

Ivan was born at the zoo in April 2013 and quickly became a much-adored member of the zoo’s troop of gorillas.

“Ivan was hand-raised by extremely hard-working staff and volunteers who spent 24 hours a day with him for about five months before they were able to successfully reintroduce him to his troop,” said Curator of Mammals Kelsey Forbes.

“He was known and loved for his deep happy rumbles and playful personality. He always put a smile on keepers’ faces with his antics.”

A post-mortem examination is being conducted.