In Loving Memory Of Charles (1972-2024)

Your Toronto Zoo is celebrating the life and legacy of a beloved icon, 52-year-old Western lowland silverback gorilla, Charles. Charles passed away late yesterday afternoon after experiencing significant health issues. Charles has been a revered member of your Toronto Zoo family since opening day in 1974 and has warmed the hearts of our community for 50 years. 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. At the end of last week Wildlife Care staff first noted that Charles was not his usual self. He was quiet, had a reduced appetite, was slower than usual to get around and breathing a little quicker and harder. The Wildlife Health team made a presumptive diagnosis of heart failure, and in consultation with experts on the Great Ape Heart project, began him on cardiac medication. Over the weekend Charles rallied, his appetite returning and his interaction with his care staff improving. Yesterday morning Charles was bright and sitting up eating, but he deteriorated suddenly and quickly in the afternoon. A full post-mortem examination is underway and has already confirmed significant changes to his heart. Charles became an unforgettable part of a Toronto Zoo visit. With his impressive stature (weighing more than 195 kg), wise gaze and majestic silverback, Charles had a true presence – one that left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to see him. His long life at the Zoo allowed us the unique opportunity to witness his extraordinary journey from a playful juvenile to a protective and wise leader, as he took on the role of silverback guiding his troop with grace and authority. His days were filled with moments of joy, quiet reflection, and family bonds–a testament to the complex social lives gorillas share. His steady and strong presence will be deeply missed by the entire Zoo community. Charles came to the Zoo from Gabon, Africa just prior to the Zoo’s opening and has become one of the most iconic Zoo residents. He was an amazing father and grandfather to his family, even in his later years where he continued to be vigilant about protecting them and maintaining order in the troop. He proved to be an ideal example of what a silverback represents, siring over 10 offspring and being a grandfather to six. To honour his memory, we encourage the Toronto Zoo community of supporters to become Guardians of Gorillas through one of the following ways: 🦍Donate to the newly established Charles Memorial Fund through the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy Wilding Fund - a fund established to support endangered species conservation projects in the wild. To celebrate Charles’ 50th birthday in 2022, your Toronto Zoo announced a $250,000.00 commitment to directly support in situ conservation organizations, including sanctuaries for orphaned animals, conducting programs and projects that raise awareness of the impacts of poaching and trafficking, and support habitat restoration. 🦍Visit the Charles Memorial page and leave a photo or memory of Charles: https://bit.ly/3NHY3Xp 🦍Phones over flowers - Donate an old cell phone to the Zoo’s PhoneApes Program to help save gorillas in the wild  https://bit.ly/3bs9kcx Charles played a vital role in our mission to connect people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction. His legacy includes his contributions to the future of his species through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) a collaborative conservation effort among accredited AZA zoos to ensure the survival of the Western lowland gorilla. Though we mourn his passing, we are committed to continuing his legacy as Guardians of Gorillas. Charles may have left us, but his spirit and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the hearts of the millions of guests who visited the Zoo since it opened in 1974. “Charles was cherished by his human caregivers and will leave a huge hole in our hearts. He was a firecracker teenager, scaring many guests. Despite his massive size, he was afraid of toads. He also wasn’t pleased when the donkey or alpacas would walk by but never had a problem with dogs. He despised tall men and saw them as rivals. He was a fierce protector of his family and always showed his tender side when a new baby was born into the troop.” “He had a great morning. It’s so good that he got to spend time with his Zoo family. The entire troop including the boys were able to see him and say their goodbyes. A rally of sorts, but also a fitting end. We then had a smudge ceremony to honour him.” “Despite being an orphan, he was an amazing father and role model for his children. He was a stable rock for his family and was rarely phased by much. He lead his family with great pride and could settle any disputes with a simple look or slight vocalization” “In his final moments he was surrounded by his keepers who loved him dearly” Read more: https://bit.ly/3NHY3Xp