PITTSBURGH, PA – After a temporary closure to allow staff to mourn, the Pittsburgh Zoo is scheduled to reopen on Sunday. The closure was prompted by the recent deaths of two animals at the zoo, including an elephant calf named Tsuni, who succumbed to a virus, and a silverback western lowland gorilla named Mrithi, who passed away during a medical procedure two weeks ago.
The deaths of these two beloved animals have deeply impacted the zoo and its staff, leading to the decision to temporarily close its doors. The loss of Tsuni and Mrithi has left a profound void at the zoo, where both animals were cherished members of the community.
In the wake of these tragic losses, the zoo management has expressed the importance of taking the time to mourn and process the grief before welcoming visitors back to the facility. The closure on Saturday allowed the staff to come to terms with the deaths and prepare for the reopening on Sunday.
As the Pittsburgh Zoo reopens its doors, it aims to continue its mission of conservation, education, and providing a safe and enriching environment for both its animal residents and visitors. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with many expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of Tsuni and Mrithi.