The recent death of a two-year-old gorilla was an accident caused by human error, Calgary Zoo officials confirmed Wednesday.

Eyeare, a female western lowland gorilla, died last week at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. The zoo’s investigation into the death included interviews with staff involved, as well as internal and external experts.

Colleen Baird, zoo director of animal care, health and welfare, said the animal’s death occurred around 9 a.m. last Tuesday when a gorilla care team member intended to activate a gate that would separate Eyare from other animals for an individual training session. Sayere was wandering around the back of the house and interacting with other gorillas.

Baird said the worker accidentally operated the wrong door, resulting in the gorilla crashing into the door and suffering traumatic head injuries.

The gorilla team rescued Eyere and immediately attempted to administer life-saving care, including CPR, but the gorilla died from his injuries shortly after 9:30 a.m.

“It has only been a week. We are still grieving the loss of this young gorilla. We are also committed to healing and learning through this experience,” Baird told reporters Wednesday.

The Calgary Zoo is home to six western lowland gorillas among the more than 4,000 animals it cares for across more than 100 species. Eyere’s death was the second human-caused death at the zoo in the last decade. North American river otter die-off In 2016.

This is also the second unexpected death of an animal at the zoo in recent months. Seven-year-old polar bear Baffin in July.

Eyeare was born at the zoo on April 20, 2022, as the first child of his mother Dossi and father Jasiri.

Zoo officials confirmed that the gates were working properly at the time of Eyere’s death. The zoo’s gorilla care team will now participate in additional annual training that validates their ability to operate hydraulic gates for animal use. The zoo is also re-evaluating the control lever locations and design with a view to implementing any changes that might improve staff’s ability to visually and tactilely confirm which animal door is moving.

The gorillas will also receive training designed to encourage them to keep a safe distance from doors during times of movement.

Baird said the animal care team member directly involved in the accident is mourning Eyare’s death. The staff have been laid off immediately and are receiving support from the zoo before being reassigned to another area where they will receive further training.

“This tragedy affected us in the most profound way imaginable. Eyare brought great joy to our community during his short life,” Baird said. he said.

Although hydraulic doors are considered common practice at accredited facilities, the Calgary zoo is exploring other options for potentially switching to alternative doors and control designs if warranted to improve the security of the facility, Baird said.

Baird noted that the Calgary zoo is accredited under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and that the facility will report on its findings and corrective actions in response to Eyare’s death.

Baird added that the zoo will continue to examine any opportunities to improve staff training, animal care processes and safety measures.