National Zoo Gorilla Dies During Surgery

In this photograph provided by the National Zoo, Kuja, a 23-year-old male western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonians National Zoo, who was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in June, is seen at the Zoo. The lowland gorilla, died Saturday, July 1, 2006 while a team of National Zoo veterinarians and cardiac surgeons attempted to implant a biventricular pacing/implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a cardiac device that delivers electrical therapy to treat heart rhythm disorders associated with heart failure and cardiac disease. AP Photo/National Zoo, Ann Batdorf) (Ann Batdorf - AP)

WASHINGTON -- A 23-year-old western lowland gorilla at the National Zoo died Saturday as a team of veterinary specialists tried to implant a cardiac device, officials said.

"He went into heart failure and we do not yet know the cause of that," said Dr. Suzan Murray, chief veterinarian of the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo.

The gorilla, named Kuja, was one of two adult males in the National Zoo's collection of seven western lowland gorillas. The animals are considered endangered with dwindling wild populations.

While Kuja's heart function was normal for his age during a routine physical conducted in late March, members of the zoo staff reported the animal was lethargic and experienced a loss of appetite earlier this month.

A June 20 ultrasound showed that Kuja's heart muscle was unable to contract normally, and his heart's pumping capacity had diminished.

The device that veterinarians tried to implant is designed to synchronize the rhythm of the heart's ventricles so that the heart pumps more effectively.

One of the leading causes of death among adult male gorillas is heart disease, Murray said.

Kuja was born at the Memphis Zoo and had been part of a captive breeding program involving several zoos committed to preserving the lowland gorilla. He arrived at the National Zoo in 1985.

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