Little Rock, Arkansas – Staff at the Little Rock Zoo are mourning the loss of one of their most recognizable and beloved animals following the death of Catherine, a longtime resident gorilla who had been part of the zoo family for more than two decades. Zoo officials shared the news on Sunday, marking a deeply emotional moment for animal care teams who had worked closely with her for years.
Catherine passed away on Monday, February 2, at the age of 43. In the days leading up to her death, animal care staff noticed concerning changes in her health. According to the zoo, Catherine was experiencing swelling in her hand and showed signs of shortness of breath. She was given medication, which provided some improvement, but staff believed a more detailed examination was needed to fully understand her condition.
Veterinary specialists later conducted an echocardiogram to evaluate how her heart and lungs were responding to treatment. The results revealed fluid buildup around her lungs and confirmed that Catherine was suffering from heart failure. Faced with her declining condition and poor prognosis, veterinary and zoo staff made the difficult decision to humanely put her to sleep.
Read also: Arkansas State University launches investigations into reports of inappropriate behavior on campus
Catherine held a special place in the history of the Little Rock Zoo. She was the oldest gorilla living at the zoo at the time of her passing and had become a familiar presence for both staff members and visitors. Born on May 18, 1983, at the Toronto Zoo, Catherine arrived in Little Rock in 2004, where she spent the remainder of her life.
Over the years, Catherine became known not only for her longevity but also for her resilience. In 2020, she suffered a stroke, a rare and often fatal event for gorillas. Her recovery made her one of only a small number of known gorillas to survive such a medical emergency, earning her a reputation among staff as a true fighter.
Beyond her medical history, Catherine was remembered for her strong personality. Zoo staff often described her as sassy, confident, and determined to get attention from the other gorillas. She was known for keeping caretakers alert, never missing a chance to express herself or make her presence known within the habitat.
Mealtimes were among her favorite moments of the day. Staff recalled her excitement whenever food arrived, a routine that never seemed to lose its thrill for her. Those daily interactions helped create close bonds between Catherine and the people who cared for her.
During her many years at the zoo, Catherine developed a loyal following among visitors who watched her grow older and admired her distinct character. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Little Rock Zoo, leaving behind memories of a gorilla who was both tough and full of personality.
Zoo staff say Catherine’s legacy will live on through the stories, lessons, and connections she inspired, both within the zoo and among the countless guests who came to know her over the years.
