SAN DIEGO (Dec. 7, 2023) – In 2017, a team of medical experts—including specialists in the treatment of both human and wildlife patients—gathered to assess an esteemed elder resident of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Winston, a critically endangered silverback gorilla. Today, at age 51, he is considered one of the world's oldest male gorillas in managed care.

For western lowland gorilla Winston, the best way to lead is from the heart.

The gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is recovering following the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, in several troop members earlier this month.