A heartbreaking incident at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in Canada has claimed the life of a 2-year-old female western lowland gorilla named Eyare. The young primate died from traumatic head injuries after a zookeeper accidentally activated the wrong hydraulic door, the zoo confirmed in a statement.
Eyare had been happily moving through her habitat, interacting with other gorillas, moments before the tragic event occurred. The zookeeper intended to activate a separator door for a routine training session but mistakenly opened a different hydraulic door, which struck Eyare on the head.
Veterinary teams quickly responded, administering lifesaving treatments, including CPR. Despite their efforts, Eyare succumbed to her injuries, said Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of Animal Care, Health, and Welfare.
“This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” Baird said. “Eyare’s short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will do everything we can to prevent future incidents.”
Zookeeper removed and investigation launched
Following the incident, the zookeeper involved was immediately removed from their role. They will undergo additional training in a different area of the zoo before being allowed to work with animals again, according to the statement. The zoo launched a comprehensive investigation to determine how the accident occurred and to identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reevaluating safety and training protocols
The Calgary Zoo announced a series of steps to strengthen safety protocols, including:
- Reviewing existing training programs.
- Introducing specialized hydraulic door training.
- Enhancing safeguards for animal habitats.
- Providing additional animal behaviour training for staff.
“While the investigation into the cause of death has concluded, the zoo doesn’t take these findings lightly,” the statement read. “We are continuing to conduct a thorough review to identify opportunities to enhance staff training, improve animal care processes, and reinforce safeguards moving forward.”
Eyare’s death has left the zoo staff and the broader community devastated. Known for her playful nature and vibrant energy, the young gorilla had quickly become a favorite among visitors.
“This tragedy reminds us of the immense responsibility we have to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in our care,” Baird added. “Eyare’s legacy will drive us to work even harder to uphold the highest standards in animal care.”
The incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and rigorous protocols in zoological facilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
