Devon Zoo Gorilla Kivu Dies at 22: Gentle Giant Loved By Many

Paignton Zoo shared sad news: Kivu, a gorilla, died at 22. He was a western lowland gorilla, and readers of Devon Live are expressing sadness. Zookeepers noticed changes in Kivu’s behavior, and his eating habits also changed recently, leading to weight loss.

The zoo staff tried their best for Kivu, giving him a health check. Kivu died during this assessment on February 13. Kiondo and N’Dowe, his companions, seem okay, but the zoo will watch them closely now that Kivu is gone.

Paignton Zoo is deeply saddened by Kivu’s death and understands visitors loved Kivu a lot. His passing will be felt deeply by many. The zoo welcomes messages of support, and people can share these with Kivu’s keepers, who knew him very well.

Many people shared their thoughts, including Mina Butcher, who remembered Kivu fondly from “The Zoo.” Karen Cross sent love to the staff. Wendy Williams remembers feeding him grapes during a zoo keeper experience and called him a gentle giant.

Julie Thomas said her grandkids watched him on TV before school. Jessica Jane saw him just three days before, while Donna Crook loved seeing him on visits. Phoebe Clancey recalled him showing off, and Chrissy Farrell thought he was beautiful.