Charles, a beloved western lowland silverback gorilla and longtime mainstay at the Toronto Zoo has died Tuesday of natural causes following a period of “significant health issues,” the zoo announced in a statement.
An orphan when he arrived at the zoo from Gabon, Africa, just before its opening in 1974, Charles quickly became one of the zoo’s most iconic residents.
“He will be dearly missed, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him to continue the fight against the extinction of this incredible, critically endangered species,” the zoo wrote in its statement.
With his impressive size, weighing more than 195 kg, wise gaze and striking silverback, Charles commanded a presence that left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of seeing him.
According to the Toronto Zoo, his days were filled with moments of joy, quiet reflection and family bonds — a testament to the complex social lives gorillas share.
“I’m so proud of the work our team did to keep him comfortable in his final days with us,” said Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo.
Zoo staff noted last week that Charles was quieter than usual and breathing irregularly. The Wildlife Health team made a presumptive diagnosis of heart failure, and while he showed signs of improvement over the weekend, his condition deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday afternoon.
“After some initial signs of improvement yesterday morning Charles’ condition took a sudden turn late in the day and he passed away surrounded by those who cared for him deeply,” said DeJong.
“Charles was more than an icon, he was a member of our Zoo family.”
Those who have had the chance to visit Charles or were impacted by his legacy in any way were quick to flood social media with messages of condolences or their favourite memories.
💔💔💔💔😢😢😢😢
My condolences to everyone involved in his care and to his pack he left behind ❤️— Have to add something here👇🏻 (@ggirl1968) October 30, 2024
One user shared that gorillas were the only reason for her to attend the zoo.
💔💔💔💔😢😢😢😢
My condolences to everyone involved in his care and to his pack he left behind ❤️— Have to add something here👇🏻 (@ggirl1968) October 30, 2024
Another social media user shared that she had captured a photo of Charles as he took a “grandpa nap.”
Simply put, “My heart is breaking.”
My heart is breaking. I’m so sorry to hear about Charles. My love to all the keepers and staff during this difficult time.
— Heather Woodyard (@puffingrrl_h) October 30, 2024
Rest in peace to the King of Toronto Zoo indeed.