Toronto Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Gorilla Charles at 52

Charles, a western lowland silverback gorilla, died after sudden health issues, marking the end of his five-decade presence at the zoo.

Charles, a 52-year-old western lowland silverback gorilla, passed away at the Toronto Zoo after experiencing significant health issues.
He was diagnosed with heart failure and placed on cardiac medication but his condition deteriorated quickly on Tuesday afternoon.
Charles had been at the zoo since its opening in 1974, having been brought from Gabon, Africa as an orphan.
Over his lifetime, Charles sired 10 offspring and became a grandfather to six gorillas, contributing significantly to his species' conservation.
The zoo has established a memorial fund in Charles' memory to support conservation projects and has invited the public to share memories and images of him.