World’s Second Oldest Gorilla Dies At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ESCONDIDO, CA – One of the world's oldest gorillas died Thursday at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Vila was the matriarch of five generations and served as a surrogate mother for several hand-raised western lowland gorillas, according to the zoo. She celebrated her 60th birthday in October, becoming the world's second oldest gorilla.

"Vila touched many people throughout her lifetime," said Randy Rieches, curator of mammals at the park. "She will be missed by zoo members, guests, volunteers and staff."

Vila was believed to have been born in the Congo in October 1957. She was hand-raised at the San Diego Zoo and later moved to the Safari Park. In recent years, she was under veterinary care due to her old age.

Gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Threats to the species include people hunting the animals for food and loss of habitat due to logging and mining.

Photos by Tammy Spratt/San Diego Zoo Safari Park