CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

JoJo by Paul Sager, on Flickr


JoJo, Brookfield Zoo’s silverback western lowland gorilla, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest Sunday during an emergency procedure. He had an acute illness, according to a Facebook post from the zoo. The 42-year-old gorilla was considered "geriatric," the zoo wrote. He lived 10 years beyond the typical life span of a male gorilla in managed care.

JoJo was brought to Brookfield in 2012 as a part of a breeding program aimed at bolstering the species. He moved into the Tropic World habitat and quickly got to work. "Let’s just say he hasn’t been hesitant to respond to the females," zoo primate curator Craig Demitros said when JoJo arrived.

The animal sired three gorillas: Nora in 2013, Zachary in 2015, and Ali in 2018. He fathered two more gorillas before he came to the park, including one at Lincoln Park Zoo and another at the Louisville Zoo.

The offspring were consequential: Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, the World Wildlife Foundation says. The species’ central African native populations have been hit hard by poaching and disease in the last 20 years, the WWF said.

"The loss of JoJo is great, but his legacy will live on in the overall zoo population for this critically endangered species," according to the post.

JoJo was as popular as he was prolific. Chicagoans responded to the news of JoJo’s passing by posting dozens of their own photos of the lionized gorilla on the zoo’s Facebook page, offering one last glimpse at the awe the animal inspired.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Great portrait, Paul.
--Bob

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

As soon as I saw this Paul, I thought of KoKo (on the cover of National Geographic back in the 80's) holding a little kitten. It seems as though JoJo had a pretty good life. Thanks for the info. Great capture! I had this in my work locker for over thirty years.

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

Very impressive image of Jo Jo. Definitely conveys the impression that there is a thought process going on. Based on your narrative, I would guess that he is looking at you and evaluating his mating prospects and is not impressed.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Great shot- he does not look happy.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

Fantastic shot!

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Great shot, so sad for the loss.

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

An outstanding portrait capture!! Wonderful detail of such an iconic animal.

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

Great shot!

George

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Great photo!! It's so sad that he passed.

Dodie

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Fabulous shot, Paul! Thanks for the story to go with it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Looks like JoJo does not like his picture taken ! ........sad for his demise

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you everyone! It's been a few years since I've been to Brookfield, with the zoo closed and then access to the gorilla habitat restricted. It will be sad without JoJo.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Fabulous portrait.

Celtis87

Nice shot of a handsome guy. May he Rest In Peace.