A fourth ape has died of a shigella infection amid an outbreak at a Florida zoo.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens shared the unfortunate news in a Facebook post .
“As we continue to address the Shigella infection impacting our apes, it is with heavy hearts we share the passing of three-year-old western lowland gorilla, Kevin, who succumbed to the illness,” the zoo said.
Born at the Jacksonville Zoo in 2021, the zoo said Kevin quickly became a visitor favorite. He was the youngest of his troop and had a “playful and spirited personality.” He was closely bonded to his half-sister Gandai.
“He fought very hard against the infection, showing signs of recovery at times. Despite the dedicated efforts of our Animal Health and Care teams, who worked around the clock to save him, Kevin was unable to overcome the illness,” said the Jacksonville Zoo.
Shigella is a bacteria that causes shigellosis, which mainly affects the intestines, according to the zoo. It causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and dehydration. The infection is primarily spread through contact with feces, food and water.