Editor note: Due to the delicate nature of the exam and space constraints, the zoo could not provide media access. Please contact KOMO TV for pool footage taken by the zoo. For interviews, please call 206.684.4838.

SEATTLE - A 37-year-old female western lowland gorilla received a full physical examination today at Woodland Park Zoo’s Animal Health Complex. The 278-pound gorilla, Nina, has lived at the zoo since 1968. The gorilla is off view for the remainder of the day and staff will monitor her progress throughout the evening.

The comprehensive examination took approximately two hours and included blood and thyroid tests; examination of eyes, ears, heart, abdomen and lungs; an EKG; and an ultrasound and X-rays. Dr. Rob Liddell, a radiologist and partner with Radiology Consultants of Washington (Seattle) volunteered his expertise at the procedure. Liddell is also a board member of the Woodland Park Zoo’s Board of Directors.

The zoo’s Director of Animal Health, Dr. Darin Collins, found the gorilla to be in good health considering her geriatric age and past medical history. “Today’s physical examination findings revealed some expected age-related changes, such as arthritis, which we can treat with medications that will make her more comfortable,” explained Collins.

Nina has had a history of medical problems over the past decade. In 1997, the gorilla was immobilized for urgent care. “She faced life-threatening kidney infections which were resolved and no lasting kidney disease appears present today – that’s great news,” added Collins. In spite of her previous life-threatening affliction, “Nina’s life was saved and sustained through the excellent animal care, professionalism and dedication of our animal management and animal health staff, and the expertise and resources of the local medical community who has donated countless hours to our animal care efforts.”

The zoo administers optimum routine health care to the zoo’s animal collection of more than 1,000 specimens. “As an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), we are committed to providing the best possible veterinary care to each and every animal at the zoo,” noted zoo General Curator Dr. Nancy Hawkes. AZA’s Ape Taxon Advisory Group advises annual veterinary examinations for adult female great apes. “Our updated animal care and husbandry plan for great apes includes regular veterinary examinations on all of the great apes at our zoo.” The zoo currently has 12 gorillas and five orangutans among its great apes.

The zoo participates in 35 Species Survival Plans (SSP). SSPs, administered by AZA, are cooperative breeding programs that manage endangered and threatened species in North American zoos and aquariums. As part of the Gorilla SSP, the zoo has successfully bred the endangered lowland gorilla for nearly the past three decades. Nina’s genetic contribution to the SSP includes four offspring, three of which survive at other zoos and one at Woodland Park, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to cooperative breeding, SSPs include directing zoo support to wildlife conservation field projects, research and public education.

Visitors can enjoy two separate gorilla groups at Woodland Park’s award-winning Tropical Rain Forest. Members of Nina’s group, of which she is the matriarch, are: 37-year-old Pete, the father of all of Nina’s offspring; 14-year-old Alafia, daughter of Nina and Pete; 4_ -year-old Naku, daughter of Alafia; and females 9-year-old Nadiri and 4-year-old Akenji. The second group consists of: 26-year-old Vip, a male; 20-year-old Jumoke; 7-year-old Monifa, daughter of Jumoke; 35-year-old Amanda; and 7-year-old Ngozi and 3-year-old Calaya, daughters of Amanda.

All gorillas are endangered. The estimated population of wild western lowland gorillas is about 110,000. The bushmeat trade, which is decimating African wildlife, is fueled by increased logging and is an imminent threat to this gorilla population, particularly in West and Central Africa. Habitat destruction is another primary reason for its endangered status.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.