TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced the passing of one of their gorillas after she got sick.
The theme park and zoo made the announcement on Facebook saying 19-year-old Tinga died after her health rapidly declined from a short illness.
Staff described the western lowland gorilla as a guest favorite as she would show off her climbing skills and playfulness with other gorillas.
"While our hearts are broken by the loss of Tinga, the well-being of the rest of the troop is now our primary focus," the post read.
The animal care staff will continue to monitor the animals as they adjust to the loss. According to the International Fund of Animal Welfare, which is a nonprofit helping rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, gorillas express a range of emotions including grieving for the dead.
In the wild gorillas typically live for 30 or 40 years and in human care, they may live into their 50s, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.