2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Detailed analysis and tests are still pending
WHO:
Officials at Zoo Atlanta have received preliminary necropsy findings following the recent passing of Ivan the western lowland gorilla, who died on August 20, 2012, at the age of 50.
WHAT:
According to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service, preliminary partial necropsy findings show that Ivan’s immediate cause of death was likely associated with an invasive mass in the chest. Early partial test results indicate that this was a tumor. Detailed analysis and tests are still pending;
final complete necropsy results are expected in eight weeks.
A public memorial service for Ivan will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 11 a.m. in The Ford African Rain Forest at Zoo Atlanta. Per the wishes of the family of Ivan’s original owners, and of the Woodland Park Zoo, his remains were cremated and will be returned to his longtime hometown of Tacoma, Washington.
WHERE:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E.
Atlanta, Ga. 30315
CONTACT:
Keisha N. Hines, Director of Public Relations and Communications
404.624.5980 – office
404.309.2238 – cell
khines@zooatlanta.org
Simone Griffin, Public Relations Coordinator
404.624.2809
sgriffin@zooatlanta.org
ABOUT:
About Zoo Atlanta
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of ildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,500 animals from around the world. A slate of new up-close-and-personal experiences opened in spring 2012: giraffe feeding, permitting guests to hand-feed Earth’s tallest living land mammals, and Wild Encounters, three new behind-the-scenes adventures with African elephants, giant pandas and Komodo dragon. Other highlights include the nation’s largest collection of western lowland gorillas, the nation’s largest zoological collection of orangutans and a global center of excellence for the care and study of vanishing reptiles and amphibians. The Zoo is open daily with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, call 404.624.WILD or visit zooatlanta.org.
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