POWELL, OH (WCMH) – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says final necropsy results on Colo the gorilla confirm her death was age-related.
Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo and the matriarch of the Columbus Zoo’s famous gorilla family died in her sleep in January. At 60 years of age she was the oldest gorilla on record and exceeded her normal life expectancy by more than two decades.
The zoo released a summary of results received this morning:
- Marked renal disease consistent with age related degeneration.
- Myocardial fibrosis, especially significant in the conduction pathways, which likely resulted in a fatal arrhythmia.
- Previously removed mass – no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.
- Respiratory system – mild to moderate airway inflammation, but not likely a contributor to her death (she was on antibiotics at the time of death).
- Atherosclerosis – not common in gorillas but consistent with her age.
- Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids).
The zoo said the report confirmed the veterinary staff’s original supposition that her death was age related.