Western lowland gorilla has been responding well to treatment since displaying symptoms of ‘concerning’ health issue
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The Toronto Zoo offered some good news about the health of one of their high-profile residents.
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Charles, the zoo’s 52-year-old western lowland gorilla patriarch, has been responding well to treatment since displaying symptoms of a “concerning” health issue over the weekend, with the zoo saying in an update on Monday that they have seen some “slow, steady improvements” in his condition.
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“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of support, kindness and compassion shown for Charles, the western lowland gorilla, and our zoo team over the past few days,” zoo officials said in the release, which was also shared on social media.
“Charles holds a very special place in the zoo family and the hearts of our community, and seeing your messages of how deeply he has touched your lives has meant the world to us.”
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While zoo officials said that Charles’s health issues are still a “serious concern,” the good news is he is eating again.
“The wildlife care and health teams are doing everything they can to keep him comfortable,” zoo officials said.
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The update came after the zoo announced on Sunday that Charles’s health had declined over the weekend, and he was receiving medication and treatment for a what they suspected was a “significant” heart issue.
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Charles is also considered to be geriatric as his critically endangered species typically reaches about 30 to 40 years old in the wild.
Charles has been joined by his daughter, Johari, the zoo said, as gorillas are a “social species and it is beneficial to their well-being having companionship.
“Charles continues to be cared for in an area of the African Rainforest (Pavilion) not accessible to guests,” the zoo said. “As we learn more and the situation progresses, we will be sure to share updates with our community.”
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