CALGARY, Alberta (Gray News) – A gorilla’s death has been ruled an accident caused by “human error,” according to zoo officials in Canada.
Eyare, a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla in captivity at the Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo, died on Nov. 12 while moving between back-of-house spaces.
According to Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care, health and welfare, a team member mistakenly activated the wrong door while trying to separate Eyare from other members of the gorilla troop.
Eyare was struck by the door and sustained “traumatic head injuries,” Baird said.
“Our tiny troop member will be remembered for her playful spirit and curious nature, and she will be deeply missed by all across the zoo and our community,” the zoo said in a statement.
The staff member was removed from the workplace after the accident and will be reassigned to another area of the zoo while undergoing further training.
Additional preventative and corrective actions will be enforced at the zoo, including specialized staff sessions and enhanced animal behavioral training.
The locations of the door control levers are also being reassessed.
The Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo cares for over 4,000 animals, including six other western lowland gorillas.
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