A Beloved Silverback Gorilla Passes After Decades of Quiet Leadership
Winston, the beloved silverback gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 52. Known for his gentle nature and dominant presence, Winston’s death marked the end of an era at the park, where he had ruled over his gorilla troop for decades. A western lowland silverback, Winston was a critically endangered species and had become one of the oldest male gorillas in the world.
Born in the wild in Central Africa, Winston was raised in England before arriving in San Diego in 1984. Despite his intimidating size—he weighed 204 kg—he was known for his tender personality, earning the nickname “gentle giant.” His easygoing nature and quiet strength made him a revered figure at the park. Winston fathered nine offspring and was the head of a troop of five gorillas, who respected his authority. He was known to maintain order in his troop with just a look.
Winston’s leadership style was unique among silverbacks. Unlike many of his counterparts, he allowed an unrelated male to join his troop on two separate occasions and welcomed two step-children, showcasing a tolerance rare in gorilla groups. His personality was full of quirks; he had a preference for prunes, avoided honeydew melon, and was notably averse to getting wet. Park staff often observed him walking around puddles and sitting on cardboard when the ground was damp.
As he aged, Winston began showing signs of health decline, including lethargy and a loss of appetite. He faced additional health challenges after contracting COVID-19 in 2021, which exacerbated existing conditions such as heart disease, degenerative joint disease, and kidney disease. His medical treatments were part of ongoing research into gorilla health, contributing valuable data to the Great Ape Heart Project.
Despite his declining health, Winston lived well beyond the median life expectancy for male gorillas, which is 33 years in the wild. His death marks the loss of a cherished animal who played a significant role in the lives of both his troop and the zoo’s visitors. Winston’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of endangered species and the ongoing efforts needed to protect them.
