Gorilla Death Prompts San Francisco Zoo Changes
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco Zoo officials say that in the wake of a baby gorilla death the zoo will retrofit its 30-year-old gorilla enclosure doors.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the changes are recommendations by an expert the zoo hired to investigate the death of a 16-month-old gorilla named Kabibe.
The animal died Nov. 7 when she unexpectedly darted under the electric door as it closed.
Dr. Terry Maple, a gorilla expert, recommended the zoo update its doors, require two keepers to be in the enclosure when the gorillas are being moved, hire a gorilla specialist and install a backup generator in the building.
In a statement, zoo Executive Director Tanya Peterson said the recommendations allow the zoo to move forward and to "ensure the future of this precious gorilla family and their critically endangered species."
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