London Zoo’s mighty silverback gorilla, Kiburi, underwent a rare and carefully planned full health check this week after showing signs of recurring stomach issues. The 21-year-old western lowland gorilla – and patriarch of the zoo’s Gorilla Kingdom troop – was given an initial clean bill of health following a CT scan and extensive veterinary examinations.
Months of Preparation for a Single Injection
Weighing in at 177kg, Kiburi is no ordinary patient. Before vets could even begin their tests, the silverback had to be anaesthetised. What might sound simple required months of training with keepers and veterinary nurses, ensuring that Kiburi would calmly present his arm for the injection.
Once anaesthetised, London Zoo’s expert veterinary team, supported by cardiologists from the Royal Veterinary College, conducted a full cardiology exam in the gorilla’s back dens. Monitoring heart health is crucial in great apes, as it provides early insights into their overall wellbeing.
A Journey Across the Zoo for a CT Scan
After his heart check, Kiburi was lifted onto a gurney by six staff members and carefully transported across the zoo. He was placed on a flatbed truck, surrounded by vets and nurses who monitored him throughout the short journey. His destination: a 44-foot-long mobile CT scanner, brought in by Burgess Diagnostics especially for this unusual patient.
The CT scan focused on Kiburi’s abdomen to investigate the cause of his gastrointestinal discomfort. Specialists from the NHS – experts in gastrointestinal health and imaging – were called in to support the zoo’s veterinary team.
Good News for the Gorilla King
The results brought relief: no major issues were detected. London Zoo’s Head of Wildlife Health Services, Amanda Guthrie, explained:
“We monitor all our animals closely to ensure they receive the best possible care. When we saw Kiburi experiencing stomach issues, we wanted to rule out anything serious. Thankfully, his initial test results have come back normal.”
Now fully recovered from the procedure, Kiburi is back at Gorilla Kingdom with his troop, including his two young daughters, Juno and Venus.
Looking Ahead
While the scans showed no cause for concern, Kiburi’s care team will continue to monitor him closely to ensure he stays healthy and comfortable.
“It’s good to see nothing concerning in these results,” Guthrie added. “This helps us create a tailored monitoring plan so Kiburi continues to feel his best.”