Utah’s Hogle Zoo is saddened to share some difficult news with our zoo community. Early on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, western lowland gorilla Mary gave birth to a male infant. Unfortunately, following birth, there was a troop conflict that resulted in injuries to the infant. While conflict can occur, this was a highly unusual outcome. 

Hogle Zoo’s team quickly responded, and after assessing the infant’s injuries, made the heartbreaking but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him. We are providing close care for Mary as she recovers postpartum. She rejoined the troop in the afternoon, and we continued to monitor the group. 

Gorilla troops are dynamic, and moments surrounding a birth can bring rapid shifts within the group, much like the arrival of a new baby can shift dynamics in a human family. Our teams are thoroughly trained in gorillas’ complex social structure and are committed to animal wellbeing by understanding their interactions and emotional behaviors. 

We understand how difficult this news is to process, and we’re grieving alongside our community. The compassion, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated during this time and every day at Hogle Zoo keep us grounded in the meaningful work we do, through moments of both joy and sorrow. 

We are grateful for the compassion shared and ask that our community continue to hold space with us as we mourn during this incredibly difficult time.