Tragic Incident at Calgary Zoo: Young Gorilla Dies Due to Human Error

In a heartbreaking incident at the Calgary Zoo, a young western lowland gorilla named Eyare lost her life due to an unfortunate mistake by a staff member. The zoo officials confirmed that the incident occurred last week when the 2-year-old gorilla was struck by a hydraulic door that was accidentally activated while the worker attempted to separate Eyare for a training session. Eyare succumbed to traumatic head injuries shortly after the incident.

"This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable," expressed Colleen Baird, the director of animal care at the Calgary Zoo. "Eyare's short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will ensure rigorous measures are implemented to prevent future incidents of this nature."

In response to the incident, the staff member involved has been temporarily removed from their duties and will be reassigned to a different area within the zoo. To improve safety and prevent future occurrences, the Calgary Zoo plans to initiate specialized training for staff and enhance animal behavioral training protocols.

Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one for the Calgary Zoo. In the past, there have been several other cases where animals have died due to human error, including an otter in 2016 that drowned after becoming entangled in a dropped piece of clothing, and a capybara that was crushed by a hydraulic door in 2009. Animal advocacy groups, such as Animal Justice, have called for an independent investigation into animal safety protocols at the zoo, alleging that the facility has experienced a higher rate of animal deaths compared to other zoos.

However, the Calgary Zoo has rebutted these claims, emphasizing that they have consistently met operational standards and have maintained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1978. A spokesperson emphasized their dedication, stating, “We love and care for more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species that call our zoo home. While even one human-caused mortality is one too many, these unfortunate incidents provide invaluable lessons that push us to refine our protocols.”

Colleen Baird added that the use of hydraulic doors is standard practice in accredited zoos, but the Calgary Zoo is now considering transitioning to alternative systems to enhance animal safety.

The Calgary Zoo, established in 1908 and home to over 4,000 animals, recently launched the Wilder Institute, focusing on wildlife conservation efforts since 2021. Eyare's untimely death has sparked a conversation about animal welfare and heightened scrutiny on the operational safety measures in place within zoos.

As this heart-wrenching story unfolds, zoo officials are determined to learn from this tragedy, ensuring those who visit the zoo can continue to enjoy a safe and nurturing environment for all creatures great and small.