In brief
The Calgary Zoo is mourning the loss of a young western lowland gorilla named Eyare, who died on November 12 after being struck by a hydraulic door due to a staff member's error during a routine training session. Eyare, a healthy 30-pound gorilla, was playing with others in her enclosure when the incident occurred. Staff had intended to activate a different door to separate Eyare for her vaccination but mistakenly used the wrong lever, resulting in her being struck as the door closed.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Eyare succumbed to her injuries shortly after the accident. According to Colleen Baird, the zoo’s animal care director, the staff member involved in the incident was devastated and has been temporarily removed from their duties. Trained and experienced, the employee will undergo additional training before returning to work with the gorillas, who include Eyare's six companions. The zoo is reviewing safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing their commitment to the care and safety of the animals in their care.
