Winston, one of the world's oldest gorillas and a beloved resident of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, has passed away at the age of 52 after facing numerous health issues, officials confirmed. The western lowland silverback was euthanized on Saturday due to several age-related ailments, including heart, kidney, and joint diseases, according to an Instagram post by Safari Park officials. Known for his quirky yet gentle nature, Winston was adored by visitors and valued by scientists for his significant contributions to his critically endangered species, having fathered nine offspring.
Remarkably, Winston also raised two unrelated male gorillas, a rare behavior for silverbacks. "This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing nature, and heart of gold," Safari Park officials said. "Winston served as the protector of his family."
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in several Central African countries, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund. Although their exact population in the wild is unknown, scientists estimate a 60% decline in their numbers over the past 25 years.
Winston arrived in Southern California in 1984, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's publication "Wonderful Winston: A Truly Great Ape." He was one of 3,000 animals from 300 species at the 1,800-acre park, 30 miles outside San Diego, which opened in 1972. By 2018, Winston oversaw a troop of seven gorillas.
Winston had been experiencing health complications since at least 2017 when zookeepers first noticed signs of heart problems. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among great apes in captivity. "After careful consideration due to worsening conditions and focusing on Winston's quality of life, the wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him," stated zoo spokesperson Emily Senninger.
According to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, western lowland gorillas are the smallest subspecies and are known for their peaceful demeanor. Males can reach up to 6 feet in height and weigh up to 500 pounds, while females can grow to 4½ feet and 200 pounds. Gorillas have longer arms than legs, with males having an arm span of 8 feet.
Western lowland gorillas, scientifically named Gorilla gorilla gorilla, inhabit swampy forests in the Congo Basin, including regions in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Poaching and Ebola have drastically reduced their numbers, with the virus wiping out 90% of gorillas and chimpanzees in some of the densest ape habitats.
In the wild, western lowland gorillas typically live 30 to 40 years, but in captivity, they can live into their 50s. When Winston arrived in the U.S. from England, where he was raised, zookeepers were struck by his intimidating appearance and gentle nature. He had a fondness for prunes, disliked honeydew melon, and avoided getting wet, often laying down cardboard to sit on when the ground was damp.
Following the announcement of his death, fans on Instagram shared fond memories of him. Elizabeth Washburn, a San Diego-based artist, recounted meeting Winston while teaching at an art camp at the Safari Park in the early 2000s. A zookeeper invited her and the kids to watch Winston's vet checkup from behind a special gate.
"He was as cool as could be," Washburn, 51, recalling how Winston made a grand entrance, pounded his chest, and then approached the window to gaze at them. The children, standing about 10 feet away, were awestruck. "He had so much intelligence," Washburn said. "You could see it in his eyes; he was just looking at us, trying to figure out who we were."