The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has suffered another loss: Kevin, a 3-year-old western lowland gorilla, died from a Shigella infection. His death is the fourth due to a recent bacterial outbreak. Kevin was a beloved and lively gorilla who was popular with visitors, as reported by News4Jax.

Earlier victims of the outbreak included a 35-year-old gorilla, Bulera, and a pair of Bonobo brothers, Jumanji and Jenga, aged 28 and 13, respectively. The Shigella bacteria responsible for these deaths primarily attack the intestines and can be transmitted through various means, including contaminated food and water or contact with affected feces. However, zoo officials emphasized there is no risk to the public, as per the information provided by Action News Jax. Following these events, the zoo has doubled down on biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the infection. Assistance from external experts has been sought to help manage the ordeal.

In the face of these distressing events, the zoo has been transparent about the challenges ahead. "Recovery within the apes may be fluid. It may take time to fully resolve," Tracy Fenn, the zoo's curator of mammals, said during a press conference on August 28, as First Coast News detailed. Despite the dedicated round-the-clock efforts of the staff to save these primates, the zoo is still investigating the initial cause of the outbreak. Meanwhile, they continue their vigilant monitoring of the remaining animals to prevent any further cases of the disease.