Jacksonville Zoo gorilla who stole hearts as a foster mother has died; others ill

Bulera , a popular 35-year-old female western lowland gorilla at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens , has died from a highly contagious bacterial illness that is also affecting other gorillas at the zoo.

Most of the zoo 's current population of 10 gorillas have shown symptoms of shigella and "are at different stages of treatment and recovery," spokeswoman Emily Long said.

"The apes are staying in their indoor spaces," she said, so the zoo's animal health and care teams "can keep a close eye on them and make sure that they are getting the medication, fluids and food they need."

What is shigella?

Shigella is a bacteria that causes shigellosis and typically spreads through feces, food or water. The ill gorillas are quarantined "so there is no danger to guests," according to the zoo's Facebook post about Burela's death . Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and dehydration and can be severe in apes, "as they may have a harder time fighting off the bacteria," according to the post.

"Although we may never know the exact source, the bacteria may have come from an asymptomatic ape or, though unlikely, a staff member," according to the post. Also unlikely is that the bacteria was in their food.

Western lowland gorillas are native to central Africa. They are critically endangered because of habitat loss, poaching and disease, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare .

Bulera's death was the zoo 's second loss in recent days. The other was Bellatrix , an estimated 37-year-old rhinoceros hornbill thought to be the oldest-known female of her species in human care.

How did Bulera the gorilla become a foster mother to Gandai at the Jacksonville Zoo?

Bulera was born at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 1989 and came to Jacksonville in 2009 with her daughter Madini . They were intended companions for silverback gorilla Quito.

In 2015, Bulera gave birth to son George . Although she initially needed "co-mothering assistance," she ultimately raised George successfully, according to the zoo. At the time, Madini was raising Bulera’s granddaughter, Patty, who Long said has since been relocated to Busch Gardens Tampa.

"This began our three-generation gorilla troop," according to the zoo.

Bulera stole hearts in 2019 when she became foster mother to infant gorilla Gandai. Her deaf biological mother was unable to raise her properly so Gandai was in zoo staff care for her first five months. After Bulera took over and "protected and nurtured" the infant, Gandai was able to rejoin the troop.

"Bulera even brought Gandai to care specialists for bottle feedings," the zoo said.

Facebook commenters said they would miss Bulera and hope the best for the other ill gorillas.

"My heart aches for her caregivers and her troop," one commenter wrote. "Watching her take on the role of Mom to Gandai made me appreciate these wonderful animals. Praying the other troop members recover quickly."

Another commented, "I met Bulera when she was about 3 days old … and was privileged to watch her grow to a wonderful mom and family member."

How are the Jacksonville Zoo's ill gorillas being treated?

The animal care teams in contact with the ill gorillas wear personal protective equipment including suits, shoe covers, masks and gloves. Intensive cleaning protocols are in place, with bedding materials changed multiple times a day, according to a special zoo website page about shigella.

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The ill gorillas are receiving fluids and antibiotics, and in some cases intravenous treatment under sedation. Zoo staff are monitoring their activity levels, appetite, hydration and biological functions and giving them their favorite treats.

"Human symptoms are often mild, and infections usually run their course without antibiotics," according to the zoo's shigella website page. "Unlike humans, apes are more susceptible to severe gastrointestinal infections that can spread to other organs, making it harder to eradicate the infection."

To avoid cross-contamination, a separate zoo team is caring for the healthy gorillas.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Zoo gorilla who stole hearts as a foster mother has died; others ill