Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium recently held a press conference addressing the recent deaths of multiple animals on zoo grounds. Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoo’s president and CEO, mentioned that the zoo typically experiences 15 to 25 deaths per year, but the recent loss of five animals has been particularly challenging for the staff.
During the press conference, Dr. Goodman expressed deep sadness over the recent losses, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the zoo staff during this difficult time. He highlighted the parallels between zoo life and human life, noting that while celebrations are shared openly, dealing with tragedies and deaths is a new experience for the zoo.
In response to these losses, the Pittsburgh Zoo provided grief counselors for its staff to help them cope with the emotional impact of the recent deaths. The zoo community has been mourning the passing of beloved animals, including Seahawk, an 18-year-old sea lion, Tsuni, a two-year-old elephant, Mrithi, a 31-year-old Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla, Kovu, a nine-year-old red panda, and Kit, a six-year-old male African lion.
Seahawk passed away after showing concerning behavior and refusing to eat, while Tsuni succumbed to elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus after a brief battle with the disease. Mrithi passed away during a procedure to determine the cause of his symptoms, and Kovu’s passing was a heartbreaking loss for the zoo community. Kit’s death was attributed to a blockage in his digestive system, revealing the challenges faced in caring for the animals at the zoo.
As the Pittsburgh Zoo continues to grieve the loss of these animals, the zoo staff and community are coming together to support one another during this challenging time. The transparency in sharing these losses with the public is a new approach for the zoo, highlighting the emotional toll that caring for animals can take on those involved in their well-being.