Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is faced with grief after the death of Tinga, a 19-year-old female western lowland gorilla. The park announced on Facebook today that Tinga succumbed after a brief battle with an illness. FOX 13 News reported the gorilla's popularity due to her knack for climbing and her playful nature.

According to FOX 13 News, despite the rapid progression of her illness, Tinga was under the constant supervision of her care team and veterinary staff. Officials stated, "While our hearts are broken by the loss of Tinga, the well-being of the rest of the troop is now our primary focus." The care staff is continuing to monitor the remaining gorillas closely during this period of adjustment.

As stated in ABC Action News, the well-being of the remaining troop members is a primary concern for the park officials. They expressed their sentiments, saying, "Our hearts are broken by the loss of Tinga."

Despite her relatively short tenure at Busch Gardens, having arrived earlier this year, Tinga had made a significant impact. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay noted that Tinga was originally born in captivity at the Denver Zoo in 2005 and had come to Tampa as part of an exchange with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. "While our hearts are broken by the loss of Tinga, the well-being of the rest of the troop is now our primary focus," Busch Gardens remarked, a sentiment echoed across all reports detailing this unfortunate event.