ST. LOUIS — If you have been to the Saint Louis Zoo over the past two decades, this gorilla may look familiar to you.
Little Joe, the western lowland gorilla, has passed away at 26 years old. According to the zoo, he has been undergoing treatment for heart disease.
The zoo shared his sudden passing on Facebook Sunday after Little Joe suffered a heart attack overnight. The primate staff believes that he died in his sleep.
Little Joe will be missed by the staff and Bakari, his long-time gorilla buddy. He was in the process of getting to know new juvenile males Kayin and Zachary as they settled into their new home.
The zoo characterized him as the gorilla often seen near guest viewing areas. He enjoyed people watching.
Little Joe joined the zoo in November 2005.
He will be remembered for his "wonderful personality and lovable grumpy face."
