Kabibe, at 15 months the youngest of the San Francisco Zoo's gorillas, was killed after she bolted under a closing hydraulic door but didn't make it through.
The Associated Press reported zoo spokeswoman Abbie Tuller as saying the accident involving the young female western lowland gorilla happened after closing hours Friday as workers were moving animals into their nighttime enclosures.
Tuller described the mishap as tragic and extremely rare, saying that animal safety is the zoo's chief priority.
She said members of the primate staff cared for Kabibe, whose name means "little lady" in Swahili, around the clock for months after she developed eating problems as an infant.
Executive Director Tanya Peterson said the zoo is investigating what happened and will see if any policy or training changes are needed.
The gorilla preserve at the zoo is still open for public viewing.
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