Advertisement

Female gorilla dies after being attacked by male at Melbourne Zoo

Male gorilla Otana murders female Julia at Melbourne Zoo. Photo: Melbourne Zoo

A male gorilla attacked a female gorilla called Julia at Melbourne Zoo and she has sadly died of her injuries.

Silverback male Otana started to display 'unexpected levels of aggression' on Friday and it is believed he inflicted devastating injuries on Julia which led to her death.

In a statement a zoo spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our female gorillas, Julia.

"Julia died overnight from complications which developed from injuries inflictedby our young Silverback male Otana.

"Staff monitoring the group as usual throughout Friday observed Otana displaying an unexpected level of aggression towards Julia."


The spokesman explained that Silverbacks asserting their dominance is a normal part of their behaviour.

The results of the aggression Otana displayed towards Julia were 'unexpected and unprecedented'.

On Friday evening, Julia chose to spend part of the night away from the group, sleeping in one of the heated caves outside and on Saturday morning staff checking on Julia and observed that she appeared to be unwell and was not responding as normal.

The team could not see any visible wounds but moved Julia to the veterinary hospital for an examination.

They found that she had experienced extensive trauma and significant complications resulting from the aggression.

The team worked to stabilise her condition into the early hours of Sunday, but unfortunately she passed away at 3am today.

Otana arrived at the zoo in September 2013 from the UK staff say the social dynamic within the group appeared to be working well.

A spokesman said: "Otana’s displays of aggression have been intermittent and not severe, with females responding with the submissive behaviours that a Silverback expects.

"Otana is currently separated from the group.

"Keepers are concentrating on helping them all get through this tragic event that will change the social structure of the group."

Julia was 33 years old and came to Melbourne Zoo in 1997 from the Jersey Zoo.