Ailing Gorilla at L.A. Zoo Dies After Tests

A 35-year-old lowland gorilla who became a matriarch of other gorillas at the Los Angeles Zoo died after undergoing a physical examination Saturday, zoo officials said.

Sandy, who had been sick for two weeks, was anesthetized about 1 p.m. so doctors could give her a battery of tests. The gorilla never awoke and died of heart failure at 2:45 p.m., officials said in a news release.

A necropsy will determine the exact cause of death.

“Sandy was a tough gorilla,” said animal keeper Jennifer Chatfield, who has worked with gorillas at the zoo since 1979. “She weathered most changes in her life well--and she was an excellent mother.

“She was great with other gorillas, but she didn’t trust people and could be an old crab apple at times,” Chatfield added. “The fact that she trusted me was an honor. I loved her, and I will miss her terribly.”

Sandy had a long history of weight problems, zoo officials said. The problem persisted despite diet restrictions, which possibly indicated some type of metabolic dysfunction. She had become increasingly lethargic in the past two weeks and was not eating well, officials said.

Sandy was caught in Africa in 1962 and came to Los Angeles from the Albuquerque Zoo in 1976. She had three offspring: Cleopatra, Angel and Cassius.

Cleopatra and Angel also live at the zoo, as does Kelly, Sandy’s 10-year-old grandson. A total of eight lowland gorillas live at the zoo.

A gorilla in its 30s is considered old.