INTERNATIONAL: Ozzie, the world's oldest male gorilla, has died. He was 61. Ozzie's cause of death is not yet known and zoo officials are still awaiting the results of a necropsy, the non-human equivalent of an autopsy.

The whole Atlanta Zoo family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Ozzie, the world's oldest male gorilla, at 61. The oldest gorilla at Zoo Atlanta and the third-oldest gorilla in the world, Ozzie was found dead by his care team on January 25, 2022.

Ozzie is survived by daughter Kuchi; sons Kekla, Stadi, and Charlie; granddaughter Lulu; great-granddaughter Andi, and great-grandson Floyd, all of whom live at Atlanta Zoo. His legacy also includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren living at other accredited zoos in the U.S. and Canada.

In September 2021, 18 of Atlanta Zoo’s 20 gorillas had COVID, including Ozzie. All of them cleared the COVID infection.