Hogle Zoo's gorilla Tino euthanized

Hogle Zoo's gorilla Tino euthanized

(Hogle Zoo)


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SALT LAKE CITY — After almost 30 years as the king of the Hogle Zoo's jungle, Tino the gorilla has died.

Zoo officials reported that the 42-year-old gorilla was euthanized Wednesday after he stopped responding to pain medication and other treatments. The oldest of the zoo's gorillas, Tino had also developed dementia, becoming apparently lost and confused in areas that should have been familiar to him.

"He did have a great long life," said Erica Hansen, community relations coordinator for the zoo. "These types of decisions are never easy, but we did feel it was in the best interest for Tino."

In his last few weeks, Tino's strength had declined to the point that he struggled to climb into the indoor ape habitat, Hansen said.

The great ape was a favorite of guests and staff alike since coming to Hogle Zoo in 1986. He lived more than a decade longer than apes in the wild, his 42 years reaching the equivalent of a 90-year-old human, Hansen said.

"They really become part of the whole community. It's always sad when one of these animals passes," Hansen said. "When you have an animal that has been here this long, I think some of their reach is pretty profound. … It hits staff very deeply and reaches out in the community."

Senior ape keeper Erin Jones said Tino will be remembered for his friendly associations with the zoo staff who cared for him.

"He was a spirited and playful guy who loved to have his toes tickled," Jones said. "We'll miss hearing his happy grumbles in the building."

Three gorillas — two females, JoRayK and Jabali, and a male, Husani — remain at Hogle Zoo. The zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, which tracks animal blood lines and fertility in order to recommend breeding options.

Photo credit: Tom Smart/Deseret News

"We are set up to be long-term breeding and conservation facilities for gorillas," Hansen said. "As soon as we get a breeding recommendation, we would love to participate in that."

Tino's heart and brain have been contributed for research, Hansen said. His skeleton will eventually be displayed at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum in Provo.

Hansen encourages community members to support the zoo's animals and its conservation projects by coming to visit. Cellphone recycling at Hogle Zoo also gets a $1 discount and can protect gorilla habitats, she noted.

"Every time you buy a ticket, a percentage of those proceeds go toward conservation," Hansen said. "We're part of AZA Zoos and we're out there on the ground doing what we can to help save some of these amazing species. We want people to care about gorillas in the wild."

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