Woodland Park Zoo's matriarch gorilla 'Nina' dies at 47



SEATTLE (AP) — The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle says its matriarch gorilla, Nina, has died at age 47.

The zoo says the gorilla spent a normal morning eating and resting Friday but was found a little later, not moving, under a large tree. She was taken to the zoo's veterinary hospital where the decision was made to euthanize her.

A necropsy is planned.

The zoo says gorillas are known to live into their 40s or 50s in zoos, and as long as 30 or 35 years in the wild.

Nina had lived at Woodland Park since 1968. Her male companion gorilla, Pete, is still alive. He also is 47.

Woodland Park says eight gorillas remain at the zoo.