Adorable baby gorilla died from ‘human error’ when zoo carer crushed her with hydraulic door

An adorable baby gorilla was killed by “human error” at his zoo when a staff member accidentally crushed her head with a hydraulic door, officials said.

Eyare, a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla living, was happily “roaming from bedroom to bedroom” with her gorilla mates in the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in Calgary on Nov. 12 when a staffer wanted to separate her for an individual training session, the zoo said in revealing the results of an investigation.

But the carer “mistakenly activated the wrong door, resulting in Eyare being struck by the door and sustaining traumatic head injuries,” said Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care.

“The gorilla team retrieved Eyare from the troop and the veterinary team immediately commenced lifesaving measures, including CPR. Sadly, Eyare succumbed to her injuries,” Baird said.

The death “was determined to be an accident caused by human error,” the zoo said.

“This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” Baird said.

“Eyare’s short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will do everything we can to prevent future incidents.”

The staffer — who was not identified — was immediately removed from work and will need to undergo further training before being allowed back, the zoo said.

Other staff will also face fresh training, said the zoo, which is also looking at safer alternatives to hydraulic doors “to enhance overall safety and improve staff confidence while reducing safety risks.”