Conservations NG

Category: Wildlife

Nigeria’s Most Potent Snakes: An In-depth Introduction

We all have a thing or two about snakes that give us the shivers. But it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Nigeria is home to a bunch of snakes, some of them pretty potent, but they’re not the monsters they’re made out to be. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to some of Nigeria’s most venomous snakes, in a way that’s easy to understand. Say goodbye to unnecessary fear, and let’s get to know these creatures for what they really are. Ready to dive in?

But hold on a second! When we talk about why we’re not fans of snakes, we tend to say, ‘Snakes are poisonous.’ But is that really true? Actually, no. They’re not poisonous. They’re dangerous, sure, but the correct term is ‘venomous.’ So, snakes are venomous, not poisonous. Now, let’s take a closer look at seven of the most venomous snakes in Nigeria. We’ll cover their key features and how to recognize them.

Puff Adder (bitis arietans)

The Puff Adder, with its robust body and distinctive slit-like eyes, is a true camouflage artist amidst Nigeria’s grasslands and scrub. Measuring between 3 to 5 feet, it’s characterized by the classic viper traits: a triangular head, narrow neck, and a short tail. Recognizing a Puff Adder is made easier by its broad, triangular head and a pattern of dark, chevron-shaped markings along its back.

Forest Cobra (naja melanoleuca)

Allow us to introduce the diurnal (diurnal species are primarily active during daylight hours and rest or sleep during the night) Forest Cobra – an agile climber and a daytime hunter. With its glossy black body and striking white-edged scales around the mouth, this cobra is both swift and keen-eyed. It’s known to scale trees up to a staggering 33 feet high, showcasing its remarkable climbing abilities. Identifying a Forest Cobra can be done by its sleek black body paired with a cream-coloured underbelly, along with its distinct white-edged mouth scales.

African Bush Viper (atheris squamigera)

As the night descends, the African Bush Viper awakens for its nocturnal (Night-active) hunt. These stealthy ambush predators strike from upside-down perches, boasting a broad, flat head and an impressive mouth gape. Females, typically larger, can reach up to 24 inches in length. Identifying an African Bush Viper is aided by its distinct triangular head, large mouth, and unique colouration – often featuring shades of green with dorsal scales that form a rough, keeled texture.

Black-necked Spitting Cobra (naja nigricollis)

Moderately sized, the Black-necked Spitting Cobra varies in colour but shares a fondness for small rodents. What truly sets it apart is its ability to eject venom up to an astonishing 23 feet, making it a formidable force when provoked. Recognizing a Black-necked Spitting Cobra can be done by its size, typically 3.9 to 7.2 feet in length, along with its colouration – often featuring a dark body with a distinct pattern of light bands and spots.

Egyptian Cobra (naja haje)

Sporting a large, hood-capable head, the Egyptian Cobra feasts on toads, small mammals, birds, and more. Its sturdy body and cylindrical shape are complemented by a moderately broad snout, distinguishing it from its cobra counterparts. Identifying an Egyptian Cobra is facilitated by its sleek, solid-coloured body, typically in shades of black or brown, along with the distinctive hood that it can expand when threatened.

Boomslang (dispholidus typus)

The Boomslang is a slender snake with a distinctive blunt head and captivating large eyes. These serpents can grow up to 2 meters, and their mesmerizing gaze is a hallmark of their species. Recognizing a Boomslang is aided by its slender, elongated body, along with large, forward-facing eyes and a distinct, broad head.

Spotted Night Adder (causus maculatus)

Compact yet powerful, the Spotted Night Adder boasts a stout, short-tailed frame. With a moderate-sized head and an obtuse canthus, this snake reaches a maximum length of about 0.75 meters. Identifying a Spotted Night Adder is facilitated by its small size, distinct spotted pattern along its back, and short, stubby tail.

While these seven venomous snakes may instil fear in many, it’s crucial to recognize their vital roles in their respective ecosystems. Understanding their traits and behaviours enables us to coexist safely with these captivating creatures. So, let’s celebrate the diversity of Nigeria’s snake population and continue to learn about these incredible reptiles.

*Photo credits (Wikipedia, A-Z Animals)

Let’s stay tuned for the next series of this article titled “Vital Guardians: Understanding the Role of Venomous Snakes in our Ecosystem”.

November 13, 2023
The Marvel of the Camel’s Hump

In the rugged, water-starved landscapes where camels reign supreme, their ability to endure extended periods without a sip of water is nothing short of astonishing. Picture this: a barren environment, with less than 25 centimetres (10 inches) of rainfall annually. In this harsh setting, camels can go for weeks without a drop to drink. When they finally do take a drink, it’s a spectacle in itself – a camel can guzzle up to 25 gallons of water in one go. Now, here’s the kicker: many believe that all that water must be stored in those iconic humps. But hold on, that’s not quite right, where then does that enormous amount of water go? First, let’s find out what the deal with the hump is.

So, what’s the deal with a camel’s hump? It’s actually a storehouse of fat, meticulously stashed away to provide vital nutrients when food is scarce. When the going gets tough and sustenance is hard to come by, the camel’s body taps into this reserve, converting fat into energy to keep the camel going strong. Ever notice a sagging hump? That’s a sign that the camel’s been on a diet, so to speak. Once food’s back on the menu, the hump perks right back up. But wait, there’s more to this hump tale. It’s also a temperature regulator.

The Hump- A Thermal Regulator

In the scorching daytime heat, the fats in the camel’s hump act as a shield, soaking up the sun’s rays. Then, when the cool night descends, that stored warmth spreads throughout the camel’s body, ensuring it doesn’t catch a chill in the desert’s chilly embrace.

Bloodstream

Now, let’s tackle the second question: where does all that water go? Turns out, camels are like walking water tanks. They don’t store it in their humps, but rather in their bloodstream. And here’s where camels truly shine. Their blood cells are oval-shaped and stretchy – they can expand and contract. When water is scarce, these unique cells shape-shift to accommodate more liquid, keeping the camel hydrated even in the driest desert stretches.

On the left, is a close-up of a Human blood cell. On the right, a camel’s blood cell. @Vedantu.com

So, there you have it – a camel’s hump is a multitasking marvel. It’s a fat reserve for lean times, a thermostat for temperature control, and even a water distribution centre. In the unforgiving desert, these humps are a lifeline, helping camels not just survive, but thrive. The hump is tailor-made for a harsh and demanding habitat.

November 2, 2023
Great or Small, Love Them All: Celebrating World Animal Day
Every year on the 4th of October, the annual festival of animals is celebrated, acknowledging the diversity of the animal kingdom and reflecting on the importance of the welfare of animals around the world. Today, the 2023 celebration of World Animal Day is celebrated under the theme: “Great or small, Love them all”. Just as the theme implies, it implores us —Each and everyone that no matter how small an animal may seem to be, their lives matter. This year’s festival is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the welfare of animals. This special day reminds us that animals, regardless of their size or species, play a vital role in our ecosystem and deserve our love, respect, and protection. It emphasises the importance of cherishing every creature and the equal value of lives that share our planet.

Just like it’s been previously mentioned, every animal has its role in balancing our ecosystem. Predators, like lions and tigers, help regulate prey populations, ensuring that ecosystems remain healthy. Insects, often disregarded, are the heroes of pollination, enabling the reproduction of countless plant species and providing the foundation of many food chains.

Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, offer companionship and support to humans, demonstrating the profound impact animals can have on our emotional well-being. Additionally, farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs provide us with sustenance and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide.

Significance

The Significance of World Animal Day:

Originated by cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann and first organised on 24 March 1925 in Germany, World Animal Day was conceived as a platform to spotlight the plight of endangered species and galvanize efforts towards animal conservation. Over the years, it has transformed into a powerful day of action, education, and celebration, uniting animal enthusiasts, advocates, and organizations on a global scale.

This commemorative event serves as a unifying force, uniting for kinder treatment of animals worldwide. It stands as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard and nurture the diverse species that coexist with us on this planet.

Support The Movement

What are some wonderful ways you can contribute to the welfare and conservation of animals? Here are some ways you can support them:
1. If you’re thinking of having a pet, adopt from a rescue organisation or a shelter instead of buying from a breeder. This helps to care for animals in need.
2. Offer your time and skills to local animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centres, or conservation organizations.
3. Support organisations working to protect wildlife by donating.
4. Choose products and services that are environmentally responsible. This helps protect the habitats of wildlife around the world. Learn more
5. Reduce meat consumption, and eat more plant-based foods to minimise harm to farm animals.
6. Avoid the use of harmful pesticides.
7. Learn more about different species, ecosystems, and conservation efforts and share this knowledge with others to raise awareness.
On this World Animal Day, we want to come together to celebrate the incredible diversity of life on Earth. From the smallest insects to the largest mammals, every creature has a vital role to play. By appreciating, respecting and protecting animals of all sizes, we ensure a more harmonious and sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants. Great or small, let us love them all. Show some extra love for your companions at home, this day is for them!
October 3, 2023
5 Importance Of Wildlife
As you are aware, this website and numerous others are exclusively dedicated to wildlife, advocating for their preservation, providing knowledge about them, and exploring various aspects of nature. What is the significance of wildlife that warrants the existence of dedicated platforms campaigning for their protection, educating people about them, and demonstrating such profound concern for their well-being? In this article, we will explore five key reasons why wildlife holds immense importance and why it garners such extensive care and attention.
1. Wildlife represents a variety of life on earth [biodiversity]. Biodiversity (the variety or diversity in living organisms) is important in the sense that, just as its name implies, it is possible for the numerosity of living organisms, which makes the ecosystem a healthy one because it makes it easier for living organisms to adapt and evolve. How so? The next point will explain further how biodiversity leads to a healthier ecosystem.
2. Maintaining balance in the ecosystem: When there are a lot of living organisms, there will be balance in the ecosystem. How? Each organism has a role to play in maintaining balance and making the ecosystem a healthy one. For instance, insects pollinate flowers, making the dispersal of flowers possible, and worms decompose dead flowers [plants in general], providing better and healthier soils. In wildlife, predators like snakes keep the population of mice under control. Lions, for example, consume only meat, which makes them carnivores, feed on both primary animals (antelopes, zebras, etc.) and secondary animals (crocodiles, hippopotami, etc.), which keeps these animals in check, ensuring there is no overpopulation of these classes of animals. This is why these animals need to be protected so they can keep our ecosystem in check and balanced, and websites like this create awareness and showcase the great efforts implemented in making sure our ecosystem is balanced.
3. Economic Benefits: Wildlife contributes to the economy, and it makes it possible to generate revenues through economic activities like tourism, fishing, and safaris. It also provides employment, especially in rural areas where wildlife is mostly found. Employment like zookeepers, wildlife trainers, park managers and so many others, to mention a few, is what wildlife creates.
4. Ecosystem service: As mentioned in point 2, wildlife provides ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, like the provision of food, the decomposition of waste, pollination, water and air purification, and so many other things that benefit humans.
5. Education: Reading articles like this is another important aspect of wildlife because they provide scientific research and education for people like you interested in learning more about wildlife, ecology, animal biology, and animal behaviour. It also helps in developing conservation strategies and tackling environmental challenges, and more importantly, it creates awareness of the importance of our precious wildlife, why they need to be protected, and their importance to our environment.
Understanding the importance of wildlife helps us to know the reason for their preservation which is crucial to Maintaining the function of the ecosystem. Share this and let others know the importance of wildlife.
September 3, 2023
Critically endangered rhinoceros gives birth at Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Zoo welcomed the birth of a critically endangered species of rhino on December 31, 2022.

Zuri, a critically endangered species of the eastern black rhino gave birth to its young in the early hours of the day as announced by zoo officials.

According to the report by the rhinos’ animal care specialist, the calf is healthy, walking, nursing, and playing.

This is a welcome development as eastern black rhinos also known as the East African black rhino, a subspecies of the black rhinoceros, have been the target of poaching because of their horn thereby leading to their constantly dwindling population.

Read also: Kenyan vets harvest 10 northern white rhino eggs in desperate conservation move

The World Wildlife Foundation added that the political instability in Africa, its habitat, is fueling those poaching actions. The horns are used for herbal remedies the foundation noted.

Quoting the zoo officials, only about 740 eastern black rhinos are left in the wild. Poaching and a lack of safe habitat have been cited by Save the Rhino, a rhino conservation charity, as the major threats facing the animals.

The rhinoceros calf is expected to stay with its mother for at least two to four years. But in the meantime, human activities are limited around their enclosure to give mother and calf some bonding time.

Read also: Sumatran rhino now extinct in Malaysia

Black rhinos are known to live for as long as 30 – 35 years in the wild and about 35 – 45 or more years in captivity according to Save the Rhino.

January 9, 2023
Animals on the brink of extinction in 2022

Extinction is the dying out or extermination of a species. This process occurs when plant or animal species are diminished because of environmental factors such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, habitat loss, or over-exploitation by humans among others.

Also, animals are declared extinct when they’ve gone unobserved in the wild for 50 years. Those on the IUCN Red List that are entering their 50th year of absence are up for extinction declaration in 2022.

Animals that go extinct via the observation method, as opposed to other means, are often categorized as lost species.

Here is a compilation of a list of some 4 such animals that have likely been lost to extinction in 2022.

Sir David’s Long-Beaked Echidna (Zaglossus Attenborough)

Also known as Spiny Anteaters, Sir David’s Long Beaked Echidna is a monotreme or an egg-laying mammal that is native to the temperate regions of Australia and lowland New Guinea.

These animals are solitary and only meet once a year to procreate. They characteristically curl up into a ball when threatened while their spikes protect the process.

It hasn’t been observed in the wild since 1961 therefore, will likely be declared extinct in 2022. However, some animal species remain in the lost animal category because individuals may still be discovered in the future. Hopefully, that will be the case for the Echidna since large portions of Papua New Guinea have not been biologically surveyed.

Cape Verde Giant Skink

The Cape Verde Giant skink is a specie of lizard that at one time inhabited the Islets of the Atlantic Ocean but as a result of human-caused habitat destruction that IIsletswere rendered deserts.

An interesting feature of the Skink is that it possesses a transparent lower eyelid which possibly enables it to spot predators from below. Historically, this skink was a herbivore but in adapting to the degradation of its environment, it began eating small prey like bird eggs. They are also believed to be egg-laying reptiles.

The extinct skink has not been seen since 1940 and may be declared extinct in 2022. Habitat loss and hunting are responsible. These animals were hunted because their bodies are believed to secrete oil that was used as a healing balm.

Butterfly Splitfin (Ameca splendens)

The Butterfly splitfin or the butterfly goodied, is a bony fish from the monotypic genus Ameca of the slpitfin family. The body of both sexes is ochre, with silvery sides and a brownish back which in males usually have numerous glittering scales. While the young are entirely silvery in color in the first two weeks after they are born.

It’s been recorded that there are only one or two populations of these fish left in the wild, they, therefore are functionally extinct as these populations are isolated and limited. However, there is a tiny population located in a waterpark in Mexico, and escaped captive stock may now form a small wild population in Nevada.

There is a strong possibility that they would be recognized as fully extinct this year as these populations are known to be extremely fragile. While butterfly splitfins are almost extinct in the wild, they’re doing well in captive breeding stocks.

They are completely reliant on humans as they’re domesticated and displayed in aquariums. Sadly a decreased amount of interest in this species has resulted in a decline in their numbers, but there are still many individuals in existence.

Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

While the horseshoe crab in its entirety is not extinct, the population of horseshoe crabs in the Long Island Sound is functionally extinct as of 2022. Functional extinction means that there are still individuals alive, but they are a few generations from disappearing completely. There are not enough animals left to propagate the species in the Long Island Sound.

This specific horseshoe crab is also known as the American horseshoe crab. It’s found in both brackish and marine environments. It’s in the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard.

It’s considered an important part of native ecosystems because its eggs and juveniles are important sources of nutrients for sea turtles and birds. This is especially true in the more southern parts of its range, where it breeds year-round.

While these crabs look like crabs and are found in the ocean like crabs, they’re more closely related to scorpions, ticks, and spiders. This is the last species of this type of crab found in North America, though there are extinct predecessors that existed within this animal’s territory.

The American horseshoe crab likes to eat invertebrates, which get ground up in a gizzard after passing through legs with bristles on them. Horseshoe crabs, in general, are of interest to scientists because they’re considered living fossils.

December 30, 2022
Five fun facts about lions you need to know

In the commemoration of the World’s Lion day which took place on the 10th of August, we bring you these exciting facts to celebrate “the King of the jungle”.

The lion which is also known by it’s scientific name Panthrea Leo, is one of the most famous wild animals familiar to mankind. The strong, fearsome animal has it’s habitat essentially in Africa and India.

It’s physical features include a muscular, broad-chested body with a short rounded head, round ears and a hairy tuft at the end of it’s tail.
The male lions are differentiated from their female counterparts by their full and prominent mane among other characteristics of the lion which will be enumerated below.

1) Lions are hardy and adaptable animals and are thereby capable of living in dry regions such as the kalahari Desert. Here the lions depend on plants such as the Tsamma melon as a water source. They also survive on smaller preys like the porcupines more often than those living in lush environments.

The tan golden skin colour of the feline also aids its adaptability because that makes it possible for the animal to hide between tall grasses in the wild while stalking its prey. Added to that, the hue of the lion’s furry coat makes it possible for it to conceal itself from its enemies as it blends perfectly with the blades of grass around it.

2) The impressive looking mane wrapped cozily around a lion’s neck and chest is grown only by the male lions and this begins as early as three years of age. However, the manes serves more vital purposes than just aesthetics. They grow as long as 16cm and gives the lion a bigger and more imposing look than it normally has.

Added to that, as the lions grow older, the mane gets thicker and darker which are indicators of a strong and healthy male. Also the illusion of size the lion acquires courtesy of the mane makes it more attractive to the females and helps in scaring off potential rivals.

The mane is also an important armour which protects the lion’s neck and head in battles and while hunting.

Research has indicted that the thickness and size if the mane is influenced by environmental factors and not necessarily genetics. For instance local temperature can influence the growth of the mane.

Lions living in colder temperatures are likely to grow fuller and more attractive manes. On the other hand, lions living in hot climates have adapted to growing scanty manes or no manes at all for that matter.

3) Another fun fact about lions is their appetite. Lions are known to be carnivorous in nature that is, they only eat meat. They consume land animals such as zebras, antelopes, buffaloes etc. Large animals like elephants and giraffes also make it to the menu especially when they are injured or sick.

On occasion lions feed on leftovers or steal from other predators such as the hyena, wild dogs or leopards.

Lions are such voracious eaters that they can eat up to a quarter of their body weight in a single meal, which amounts to about 40kg of meat.

4) What is the life span of lions? Lions are known to live between 8-25 years. In the wild they survive for 8-10 years unlike those in captivity who live for up to 25 years.

The life expectancy of lions in the wild is shortened by the fact that young male lions are often kicked out of the pride at tender ages. Additionally, there are regular fights to defend the lion’s position in the pride which may result in death.

The females nevertheless have a better chance at a longer lifespan than the males

Adult males lions are also known to commit infanticide when they overthrow a new pride. They kill off all the cubs to begin a new family carrying only his genes.

5) Now let’s talk about the hair-raising roar of the lion.

The roar of the lion is a means of communicating with other members of the pride, in addition to send a warning message to other lions outside the pride that the territory is already occupied.

The roar of the lion is measured at 114 decibels which occurs at a level twice higher than the amount of safe hearing for humans and can be heard from 8km (5miles) away.

The roar is also estimated to be 25 times louder than a petrol powered lawnmower.

These are just a few among the numerous fun facts to be learned about the majestic feline. It behoves on us all to come together to protect the lion and other animals that are susceptible to human attacks by refusing to hunt them down and desist from activities that contribute to the loss of their habitats .

August 11, 2022
Nigeria’s conservation centre in Uyo provides a new home to rescued turtles

No less than 40 turtles, some of whom have been wounded and distressed, have so far been rescued by various individuals and brought to the Conservation centre.

A pair of turtles were last month found and saved in Akwa Ibom, a state in Nigeria’s South-south region well known to be a fertile ground for the peddling of wildlife for food and have since been taken to a conservation centre in Uyo.

Pilot Enim Akwa, happened to be the rescuer of these two turtles when he bought them off a roadside trader looking for buyers. Thereby protecting the animals from becoming pieces of meat in a family’s cooking pot.

These animals are considered to be a delicacy in Nigeria and have thus earned a special designation as “bushmeat”.
Unsurprisingly, according to the research conducted in 2020 by Wildaid, an organisation combating the global consumption of wildlife, more than half of Nigeria’s population, precisely over 70% have feasted on wildlife at some point or the other.

The Biodiversity Preservation Centre welcomed the rescued turtles as Mr Akwa handed them over to Edem Eniang, a professor of wildlife and the head of the centre in the company of his wife.

Commenting on her husband’s commitment to the conservation of wildlife, Mrs Enwongo said in a Facebook post: ” I truly admire Enim, and the way he is firmly rooted where wildlife and the environment is concerned. He walks the talk, truly.” She also added that he had a similar “turtle rescue mission” nearly two years ago.

The turtles brought in are evaluated for any signs of trauma and helped to get healed before they are released into the wild.

The swamps around the Atlantic Ocean is the hunting ground where the indigenes go to hunt for the turtles.
However many others are brought into Akwa Ibom from nearby Cross River State where there are more stringent rules that attract punitive actions from the rangers at the National Park against anyone nabbed engaging in wildlife trade.

According to Mr Eniang, the spot along the highway where Mr Akwa bought the turtles is known as a turtle trade point in Akwa Ibom.
“Most times one passes there you’ll see them hanging them upside-down for sale” he observes. “So Inim (Akwa) is in the habit of, if he sees them when he is coming back from work, he will take them from those people and bring them for rehabilitation and release into the forest.
“I’m really amazed at his interest in the Preservation of that species.” He added

The specie of turtles rescued by Mr Akwa are an endangered specie known as the terrapin often found in fresh water and for a certain should not be hunted, eaten, or traded according to the professor.

“The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade on Species. CITES is domiciled in Nigeria at the Federal Ministry of Environment. ” Mr Eniang said.

“Number two, the Convention of Biological Diversity which Nigeria is also signatory forbids us from trading in them.

“But most importantly, the Nigeria Endangered Species Act also forbids, likewise the National Park Act of Nigeria, the trade on this Species.”

Giving an insight into why he loves conservation, Mr Akwa revealed that it was inculcated into him by his father who always stressed the need to take care of nature. Thus by the time he got into secondary school he joined a conservation organisations which helped to hieghtened his knowledge and passion for conservation.

It is however a huge challenge to stop this practice of wildlife trade as the people who engage in it both in Akwa Ibom and in other parts of the country do not understand the value of conservation.
Mr Eniang hit the nail on the head as to what is truly informing this relentless practice of wildlife trade when he asked the pertinent question: ” But how can you plant conservation etiquette in a mind that is hungry?” And added: “There is so much hunger in the land, there’s so much challenge for survival. So nobody will listen to you except you give them an alternative. We need to build that into the conservation plan.”

“Funny enough, on my way back again today I saw one turtle again. I paid for it. I will take it to the professor. Today’s own, they wanted me to pay N5,000 but I ended up paying N3,000 for it.” Mr Akwa explained

July 20, 2022
Are there komodo dragons in Nigeria?

Recently, instablog Naija posted a video of a creature claiming the animal is komodo dragon.

The video was short and may not allow for proper identification of the creature in question, but it couldn’t have been a Komodo dragon.

A Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis) is in the lizard family a very distant relationship of the common agama and a close relation of the Monitor lizard.

Komodos are a very large members of the lizard family. The can grow from nose tip to tail upto 10 feet. They are carnivores and can also be scavengers, picking up dead animals. They are known to attack and kill small and medium sizes mammals and those as large as a full grown cow.

While the laced monitor lizards (Varanus varius) are very common in Nigeria, especially in the swamps, there are no Komodo dragons.

The komodo dragon is endemic to – or can only be found on – the Komodo Island and it’s surroundings in Indonesia.

The only way a Komodo dragon could have come to Nigeria or Badagry, Lagos would be through wildlife trade. It could also have escaped from a zoo. But interest in the animal as exotic pet is not common and currently, there are no known zoo or Terrarium in Nigeria with the Komodo dragon in their inventory.

April 29, 2022
World’s oldest male gorilla, Ozzie, dies at 61 at Zoo Atlanta

Ozzie, a western lowland silverback was found dead by his care team on Tuesday morning, the zoo reported in a news release. He was 61.

While the cause of death isn’t known, Ozzie had been treated for facial swelling, weakness and an inability to eat or drink over the last 24 hours before his death the zoo said.

Ozzie was one among the 13 gorillas of Zoo Atlanta who tested positive for Covid 19 last year. The officials of the zoo believe that the apes contracted the disease from a zoo worker who was fully vaccinated and was wearing protective equipment. The worker was also said to be asymptomatic.

The results of the ape’s necropsy which is being carried out by University of Georgia veterinary college will be release upon its completion.

“This a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta, while we knew this day would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend.” park CEO Raymond King commented.

The oldest living gorilla is Fatou, who turned 64 last year at the Berlin zoo, while Helen turned 63 on January 1st at the Louisville zoo. Making Ozzie the third oldest gorilla in the world.

Ozzie was brought to Zoo Atlanta in 1988. He fathered 12 gorillas, enjoyed oranges and cabbage and hated loud music.

The western lowland gorilla inhabits the rainforest of Central Africa, it’s one of four subspecies of the Great ape. Unfortunately, according to the World Wildlife Fund, a conservation group, poaching and diseases have shrunk it’s population by 60 percent, putting the animals in the critically endangered species category.

January 27, 2022