Gorilla kills another gorilla at Omaha zoo

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By The Associated Press

OMAHA — A male gorilla has killed a young female gorilla at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.

Zoo Director Lee Simmons says Samson, a 13-year-old silverback, struck his 3-year-old daughter, Baina, about 10:15 a.m. on Thursday.

Simmons says Samson, who weighs 400 pounds, suddenly jumped and slapped the other gorilla, knocking her off her feet. Baina, who weighed about 60 pounds, fell about 8 feet and hit her head.

Simmons says Baina was being reintroduced to her family in an enclosure away from the public. She had been removed during attempts to get Samson to mate with an older female.

Simmons calls Baina’s death a fluke, saying gorillas usually land on their hands and feet. He also says male gorillas may fight each other, but are usually tender toward females and offspring.