Bronx Zoo Diagnosed Gorilla With Hernia
The Bronx Zoo medical team identified a hernia in a female gorilla named Suki following a recent CT scan.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Pet Health
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Medical staff at the Bronx Zoo recently performed a physical examination and CT scan on a female gorilla named Suki. The procedure revealed the presence of an abdominal hernia, though the animal has exhibited no related symptoms.
Why it matters
Regular medical monitoring and diagnostic imaging are critical for identifying hidden health conditions in captive great apes. Detecting the hernia early allows the veterinary team to manage the animal's health proactively without current surgical intervention.
Suki, a female gorilla born in 2000, was evaluated through a full physical examination and a specialized abdominal CT scan. The examination confirmed the diagnosis of a hernia despite the gorilla showing no outward symptoms.
The players
Bronx Zoo
Located in New York City, this institution is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States and serves as a major center for animal care and conservation.
Suki
Suki is a female gorilla residing at the Bronx Zoo who was born in 2000.
The details
The Bronx Zoo medical team launched an investigation after identifying a lump on the gorilla's abdomen. The subsequent CT scan allowed clinicians to accurately diagnose the mass as a hernia while confirming the animal's stable condition.
Timeline
Suki the gorilla was born in 2000.
The Bronx Zoo showcased the CT scan results on September 24, 2026, in observance of World Gorilla Day.
Culture Shift
This diagnostic effort aligns with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums animal wellness standards for captive great apes. The shift toward advanced preventative imaging reflects a broader trend of utilizing human-grade medical technology to extend the lifespans of aging zoo populations.
Residents visiting the zoo can continue to view the gorillas as the medical team monitors Suki's condition. The transparent sharing of this health update helps the public understand the high level of specialized veterinary care provided to animals in New York City.
The takeaway
Proactive imaging enables veterinary teams to maintain animal health before clinical symptoms ever manifest. Routine wellness checks remain the most effective tool for managing chronic conditions in aging zoo populations.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife medical care by visiting the Pet Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - The Bronx.
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