LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Zoo officials said its silverback gorilla, Jelani, is resting comfortably following a surgery to remove an abdominal mass last week. 

What You Need To Know

  • The care team said Jelani is interacting with fellow gorilla Bengati, and that his appetite has picked back up

  • Jelani presented symptoms of lethargy, decreased appetite, and apparent weakness when he climbed prior to the surgery

  • Initial examinations ruled out heart and dental disease, which are common in gorillas, and a CT found a mass in his abdomen

The care team said Jelani is interacting with fellow gorilla Bengati, and that his appetite has picked back up.

Prior to the surgery, Jelani presented symptoms of lethargy, decreased appetite, and apparent weakness when he climbed. He underwent examinations, ruling out any heart and dental diseases, which are common in gorillas, according to the zoo. 

Jelani was then transported to a local imaging facility for a CT scan, which suggested a perforated intestine and an infection. 

The zoo coordinated with Baptist Health Louisville General Surgeon Richard Pokorny to remove the mass surgically. The surgical team isolated the mass and found that it was attached to his appendix, which resulted in an appendectomy. 

Officials said similar to humans, gorillas can also live without an appendix. 

“It isn’t every day you get a call to consult on gorilla care,” said surgeon Pokorny in a press release. “I was honored to be asked to partner with the staff at the Louisville Zoo on Jelani’s surgery and treatment plan. I’m very appreciative for the leadership at Baptist Health Louisville for their support on this unique case. We were relieved that ultimately it was an appendectomy which bodes well for long-term health. We saw Jelani earlier this week and he looked great. It was nice to see him moving around so well. Gorillas are tough!”

The fan-favorite is 25-years-old and has been with the zoo since the opening of its Gorilla Forest in 2002. The care team said they would update the public on Jelani's condition as he continues to recover. 

“I am so proud of our gorilla care and hospital teams for their exceptional care of Jelani and all of our animal ambassadors,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney in a press release. “It truly is a group effort providing for some of the world’s most precious creatures. We are so grateful for our health care partners like Baptist Health Louisville and Drs Pokorny and Arnold for their surgical expertise in helping us successfully treat Jelani."

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