60-year-old Vila, one of the world's oldest gorillas, died on Thursday at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, surrounded by members of her family troop. The matriarch of five generations of gorillas served as a surrogate mother for several western lowland gorillas, authorities reportedly said. According to reports, Vila, who was born in the African Congo in 1957, had arthritis and other health conditions related to her age and had been under veterinary care. She came to the zoo in 1959 and was moved to Safari Park in 1975, reports added.
It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vila, one of the world’s oldest gorillas. She was the matriarch of 5 generations. Vila passed away this afternoon surrounded by members of her family gorilla troop. If you have a favorite memory of Vila, we'd love to hear it. pic.twitter.com/zQNkm5f6v1
— San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) January 26, 2018
