This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Man Rescued After Falling Into Gorilla Habitat At L.A. Zoo
A man who works at the L.A. Zoo had to be rescued after he fell into a gorilla habitat this morning.
The unidentified 61-year-old employee fell into a gorilla enclosure at about 8:30 a.m., KTLA reports. The animals were secured and the man was rescued by L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) Urban Search and Rescue members, who lifted him out of the enclosure using a rope system.
The man was taken to the hospital after his rescue for a possible broken leg, and is reported to be in fair condition, according to City News Service. According to LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart, the man fell at least 20 feet, CBS Los Angeles reports.
The gorillas who live in the enclosure are Western Lowland Gorillas, according to ABC News. These are the most common types of gorillas to be seen in zoos. Koko is a Western Lowland Gorilla.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
