The National Zoo has lost two of its western lowland male gorillas. Kuja died during surgery when a team of veterinarians were attempting to implant a cardiac device in his failing heart. During an exam last year, he seemed fine. But last month, he began acting lethargic and lacked an interest in eating. Tests revealed a deterioration of his heart and surgery was scheduled.

In less than a week, tragedy struck again.

After the death of Kuja, the zoo decided to bring the other western lowland adult male gorilla, M'geni Mopaya, known as Mopie, into the family group of gorillas, because Kuja's death left the leadership role in the group vacant, and the group needs a leader for balanced social structure. Mopie had a heart condition similar to Kuja, but Mopie did not appear to be unhealthy or suffering heart failure. Within days of bringing Mopie into the group of gorillas, he collapsed and died. An autopsy will take several weeks to determine Mopie's cause of death, but the two deaths have left the zoo -- and the public -- stunned and confused. Normally, gorillas live about 35 years in the wild, and up to 54 years of age in zoos. Mopie was 34.

M'geni Mopaya means guest in Swahili and Lingala. Mopie was the largest silverback at the Zoo. According to the zoo, unlike most gorillas, Mopie made eye contact with people. The National Zoo only has two male gorillas left, the sons of Kuja -- Kwame and Kojo.