Eyare, a young gorilla at Calgary Zoo, suffered fatal injuries when a staff member accidentally activated a hydraulic door, leading to her death. The incident raises concerns about safety protocols within animal care facilities.
Tragedy at Calgary Zoo: Young Gorilla Eyare Dies in Door Accident
Tragedy at Calgary Zoo: Young Gorilla Eyare Dies in Door Accident
A two-year-old western lowland gorilla at Calgary Zoo named Eyare tragically died after being struck by a hydraulic door due to staff error during a routine procedure.
A two-year-old western lowland gorilla named Eyare has died following a tragic incident at the Calgary Zoo on November 12. The gorilla was accidentally struck by a hydraulic door that a staff member mistakenly activated during a routine vaccination training session. Eyare, who marked a vital addition to the zoo as part of its breeding program, had been interacting with other gorillas when the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to the zoo's director of animal care, Colleen Baird, the staff member intended to operate a different door but inadvertently used the lever for one that was closing. Eyare was caught in the door as she passed through, leading to her sustaining traumatic injuries. Despite immediate efforts by the zoo's rescue teams to save her, Eyare was pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 a.m.
The incident has since prompted discussions about staff training and safety measures at zoos. Baird described the staff member involved as "devastated" and noted that they were not inexperienced, having prior comfort working with gorillas. However, as a precaution, the person will be required to undergo additional training before returning to their duties in the primate section of the zoo, which currently houses six other gorillas.
The loss of Eyare highlights the potential hazards in animal care environments and emphasizes the importance of stringent safety protocols to protect both animals and staff.