By Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Zoo says a 52-year-old Silverback gorilla named Timmy has died from multiple health issues.
Zoo spokeswoman Kyle Shepherd said that Timmy lived a long life -- the average life span is mid-40s for a captive silverback.
Shepherd called him "an ambassador for his species." He was born in west central Africa before being transferred to several zoos as part of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. Since he was born in the wild, his genes provided stronger diversity for captive populations. Timmy sired 13 offspring, according to Shepherd.
In recent years, his health had deteriorated and he suffered from heart disease, heart arrhythmia and chronic osteoarthritis. Timmy died Tuesday morning.