Kitombe, a male gorilla at the Franklin Park Zoo better known as Kit, was put under anesthesia for veterinary examination on Thursday after his health worsened rapidly in recent days, the zoo announced in a statement.
The 38-year-old male gorilla has long been treated for glaucoma and heart disease, which are both managed by medication, zoo officials said. Heart disease is one of the biggest health issues that affect male gorillas in human care, requiring regular monitoring, care and exams.
But Kit has had a chronic cough, weight loss, loss of muscle mass, increased lethargy and trembling over the past few months, the statement read.