Winston, one of the oldest and most cherished gorillas in the world, passed away at the age of 52. A beloved figure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Winston was known for his quirky yet gentle nature, captivating both visitors and scientists alike. The western lowland silverback, a critically endangered species, had lived at the park since 1984, after being raised in England.
Safari Park officials expressed their sorrow on Instagram, describing Winston as a “gentle giant” who was admired for his quiet strength, easygoing nature, and kind heart. He was more than just a gorilla; he was the protector of his family and a symbol of hope for the critically endangered western lowland gorillas.
Health Struggles and Final Farewell
Winston’s health began to decline significantly over the past few years. In 2017, zookeepers noticed symptoms of heart problems, a common issue among great apes in captivity. As he aged, he developed multiple health issues, including heart, kidney, and joint diseases. Despite the best efforts of the wildlife health and care teams, Winston’s condition worsened, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize him to prevent further suffering. “After careful consideration stemming from furthering complications from his worsening conditions, and with Winston’s quality of life top of mind, wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him,” zoo spokesperson Emily Senninger said in a statement.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Winston’s arrival in Southern California marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Overseeing a troop of seven gorillas, he became an integral part of the 1,800-acre park, which houses 3,000 animals representing 300 species. His presence left an indelible mark on both the park and its visitors.
Zookeepers fondly recalled Winston’s unique personality traits: his love for prunes, his dislike for honeydew melon, and his aversion to getting wet. His death was met with an outpouring of support from fans who shared their memories and stories on social media. One memorable account came from Washburn, an art camp teacher at the Safari Park in the early 2000s. She recalled a special moment when Winston made a grand entrance during a vet check, pounding his chest before approaching the window to observe the onlookers.
“He was cool as all get out,” Washburn said, reminiscing about Winston’s impressive display and the silent awe of the children. “You could just see it in his eyes; he was just looking at us, trying to see who we were.” Winston’s intelligence and gentle demeanor touched many lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire efforts to protect and conserve critically endangered species. As the San Diego Zoo Safari Park mourns the loss of this extraordinary gorilla, they celebrate the incredible life he led and the profound impact he had on those who knew him.