Joe, one of the oldest Western Lowland gorillas in captivity, died Tuesday at the Dewar Wildlife Trust, in Morganton, Ga.
Born in Cameroon, the 49-year-old gorilla had lived at a succession of zoos, including the Birmingham Zoo and the Denver Zoo. He was under the care of Zoo Atlanta veterinarians and was euthanized Tuesday after worsening health problems, including a cardiac condition.
Since 2003 Joe had been a resident of the Wildlife Trust a 324-acre compound in the mountains of Fannin County built by Steuart and Jane Dewar. Approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the facility has been in partnership with Zoo Atlanta since the start of the year. Two other Zoo Atlanta gorillas currently reside at the Wildlife Trust: Kodogo, and Jasiri, both 14.
Dr. Dwight Lawson, deputy director at Zoo Atlanta, said Joe's passing is a significant loss. "While the Zoo Atlanta staff who worked with Joe hadn't known him for very long, all had come to appreciate his unique personality," said Lawson.
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