Gorilla, 49, dies at Columbus Zoo

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A visitor favorite at the Columbus Zoo has died.

The zoo says Pongi (pon-JEE’), a female western lowland gorilla, died Saturday.

She was about 49 years old. Most gorillas live in the range of 37 years.

She had been examined earlier in the day when showing symptoms of lethargy, trembling, elevated respiration and a droopy lip.

Pongi had been at the zoo since 1985. During that time she had three offspring and later was a surrogate mother to three more babies.