'Maka,' gorilla at San Diego Zoo, dies at 30

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) was hit with another tough loss Tuesday, announcing the death of a 30-year-old Western lowland gorilla named Maka.

Maka, who was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities at the age of five, recently began experiencing brief seizures, the nonprofit organization said in a Facebook post at 3:25 p.m. During an exam this week, Maka unexpectedly died from a cardiac event.

Born at the San Diego Zoo, Maka was known as a "small-but-mighty leader," guiding his younger brothers, Ekuba and Denny, "with patience and steadiness," according to the Wildlife Alliance.

Although Maka was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, zoo officials said he "thrived under the dedication and skill of his wildlife health and care teams, exceeding expectations and living with grace and vitality for decades."

Maka's brothers were able to spend time with him after his passing, per the SDZWA.

"Maka's legacy lives on through the conservation work he helped advance and the countless guests who came to understand the intelligence and gentleness of Western lowland gorillas through knowing him. His quiet leadership and enduring spirit will always be remembered," the news release said.

Over the weekend, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance lost Kalluk, a 24-year-old male polar bear, and Nicky, a 28-year-old Masai giraffe and the oldest of its kind in North America.

Last week, SeaWorld San Diego also announced the passing of one of its beloved residents Basilla, a 42-year-old female walrus.