Officials at the Calgary Zoo have reported the tragic death of a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla named Eyare, caused by human error. Eyare died last week after being struck in the head by a hydraulic door that a staff member unintentionally activated while attempting to separate her from the gorilla troop for a training session.
The zoo’s statement confirmed that Eyare succumbed to traumatic head injuries as a result of the incident. Colleen Baird, the director of animal care at Calgary Zoo, expressed deep sorrow: “This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable. Eyare’s short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will do everything we can to prevent future incidents.”
The staff member involved has been removed from the area and will be reassigned, according to Baird. The zoo plans to implement preventive measures, including specialized training for staff and animal behavior training, to avoid similar incidents in the future.
This incident is not the first of its kind at the Calgary Zoo. In 2016, an otter drowned after becoming entangled in clothing a zookeeper dropped in its enclosure. A penguin died in a 2013 accident when it ingested a stick, and in 2009, a capybara was accidentally crushed by a hydraulic door.
Following Eyare’s death, the Animal Justice Legislative Fund called for an independent investigation into the zoo’s animal safety practices. Executive Director Camille Labchuk noted, “The Calgary Zoo appears to have a higher rate of animal deaths compared to other zoos, and in light of Eyare’s death there should be a systematic review conducted transparently by the government or another outside party.”
In response, the Calgary Zoo disputed the claim of having a higher mortality rate, stating they comply with operational standards and have maintained their accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1978. A zoo spokesperson emphasized, “Animal deaths caused by human error are extraordinarily rare… While uncommon, even one human-caused mortality is one too many.”
Baird mentioned that hydraulic doors are a common practice in accredited zoos but noted that the facility would consider alternative options to enhance safety.
The Calgary Zoo, which founded the Wilder Institute for conservation in 2021, is home to over 4,000 animals, including six other western lowland gorillas.
Credit: CNN
