The first gorilla that arrived at the Cabárceno Nature Park in 2007, Nadia, has died at the age of 45 this Thursday after the veterinary services have practiced euthanasia so as not to prolong her suffering from the liver cancer she suffered.
The Government of Cantabria has indicated in a press release that it has been a "difficult decision", adopted by those responsible for the park and by the caregivers and veterinary specialists to avoid the "painful agony" of Nadia.
The decision has been taken after verifying the terminal state of the gorilla in the last five days and the obvious symptoms of pain that presented despite the treatments of analgesics administered.
Nadia's disease was detected by the veterinary team of Cabárceno in October 2019 after the clinical analysis they carried out due to the lack of appetite, apathy and manifestations of pain that she showed and whose result was the finding of a tumor mass located on the liver parenchyma and various blood alterations derived from this process.
Since then, Nadia has received treatment to alleviate digestive disorders and minimize pain.
During these almost four years the gorilla, which was separated from the group to avoid confrontations with the rest of the adult females, has been in the adaptation box located in the same enclosure and with visual contact with the rest of the specimens.
The evolution of Nadia's disease was satisfactory until its worsening last April, when, after new ultrasound tests, it was found the considerable increase in the size of the tumor mass and the difficulties it was causing in the intestinal transit of the animal together with renal failure.
The lack of response to the new treatment and the progressive worsening of Nadia are the reasons that have led to the decision to euthanize her this noon to cause a death without suffering.
The veterinarians of the Cabárceno Nature Park and the team of keepers have also consulted this week with technical advisors and veterinarians of the gorilla conservation program of the EAZA and the conclusion has been unanimous for a matter of animal welfare and respect for the gorilla.
The Cabárceno Park will perform a necropsy on Nadia tomorrow to accurately assess the damage of the disease.
The fact of being the first gorilla that arrived at the park in 2007 made Nadia an icon and one of the most beloved animals by both those responsible and technicians of the installation and by visitors.
Nadia was the oldest specimen of Cabárceno, since it is estimated that she was approximately 45 years old, since it is not possible to know exactly her age having been captured in Africa and not being able to specify her date of birth.
- Cantabria