In brief
On November 12, 2024, a heartbreaking incident occurred at the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada, resulting in the death of a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla named Eyare. Eyare sustained traumatic injuries after being accidentally struck by a hydraulic door operated by a staff member during a routine medical procedure.
Eyare, who weighed approximately 30 pounds, was engaging with fellow gorillas in an enclosure designated for feeding and training when the incident took place. According to Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care, a team member mistakenly activated the wrong door while attempting to separate Eyare for a vaccination training session. “The staff member intended to operate a door they were observing, but ended up using the control lever for another door,” Baird explained.Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Eyare succumbed to her injuries shortly after 9:30 a.m. Following the incident, the staff member who operated the door was described as “devastated” and was promptly removed from their position. Notably, this individual was experienced and familiar with gorilla care. The Calgary Zoo has since announced that the staff member will undergo additional training before resuming duties in the gorilla area, which is home to six other western lowland gorillas.
