KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-Knoxville Zoo is saddened to announce the death of one of its favorite animals. BiBi, a female gorilla, died on Dec. 25. She was almost 40-years-old.

BiBi began feeling poorly over the past few days, and on Christmas Eve began swelling in her face, neck and chest.  University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) Drs. Ed Ramsay and Stephanie McCain conducted an emergency immobilization to diagnose the swelling. BiBi died while under anesthesia on Dec. 25. UTCVM staff will conduct a necropsy to officially determine the cause of her death.

BiBi and Ernie, Knoxville Zoo's 25-year-old male gorilla, have been together since 1989 at the Denver Zoo. They came to Knoxville Zoo in October 1999 after spending some time at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This has been a difficult time for staff at Knoxville Zoo.

Caring Notes
Sympathy and caring thoughts may be sent to BiBi's keepers and the rest of her caregivers at Knoxville Zoo; Attn: Thoughts for BiBi; Knoxville Zoo; P.O. Box 6040; Knoxville, TN 37914.