Preliminary necropsy findings for Ivan the gorilla
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Detailed analysis and tests are still pending
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.
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.