St. Louis Zoo announces death of gorilla

The St. Louis Zoo is mourning another one of its animals.

Little Joe, a western lowland gorilla, died overnight on May 4 of a heart attack. He was being treated for heart disease, the Zoo detailed in a Facebook post. According to the zoo’s video monitoring, the post said, he died in his sleep. He was 26.

Joe could frequently be seen in guest viewing areas, people-watching, or hanging out with his long-time gorilla friend Bakari.

About seven months ago, Rani, a 27-year-old Asian elephant died at the zoo after a dog ran loose and indirectly caused distress for the animal. Donna, a 52-year-old Asian elephant, died a month later in November, due to her health rapidly declining.

But, the circle of life continues at the zoo. The institution welcomed a baby zebra at its WildCare Park, and Rubih the orangutan gave birth in December. Jade the elephant is also pregnant, and due later this year.

Baby orangutan is born at the Zoo

Raja is leaving the St. Louis Zoo in a year. More elephants are on the way.

Another elephant, Donna, dies at the St. Louis Zoo

Rani, 27-year-old Asian elephant, dies after dog, apparently lost, runs loose at St. Louis Zoo

Zebra is first animal born at Zoo’s WildCare Park; capybara sent to another zoo