Winston, beloved gorilla at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, dies at 52 after suffering health problems

Winston, a western lowland gorilla who was a beloved attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, has died at age 52 after suffering from multiple health problems

ESCONDIDO, California — Winston, a western lowland gorilla who was a popular attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, has died at age 52 from multiple health problems, officials said.

The park said Winston was euthanized Saturday after veterinarians determined his condition was deteriorating.

“After careful consideration, arising from the further complications of his deteriorating condition, and with Winston’s quality of life paramount, the wildlife health and care teams have made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him,” the zoo said in a statement.

Winston was one of the oldest male gorillas in an American zoo, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Sunday.

“This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easy-going nature and heart of gold,” the zoo said in a statement.

In recent years, Winston has been treated for several “age-related conditions,” including heart disease, degenerative joint disease and kidney disease, officials said.

The gorilla was born in the w84, ild and later came into the care of a private owner in England. Since coming to the San Diego safari park in 1984, Winston has sired nine offspring and is the grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of one, the Union-Tribune reported.