Mizani, a 12-year-old male western lowland gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, underwent a groundbreaking mastoidectomy on July 14, 2026, to address a severe infection affecting his skull. This pioneering surgery was conducted by a specialized team from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and UC San Diego Health.
Groundbreaking Surgery for Mizani
Wildlife care specialists first noted Mizani's health issues in March 2026 when he showed reluctance to fully open his mouth and decreased appetite. These symptoms, along with signs of head pain, prompted a CT scan at the Harter Veterinary Medical Center, revealing sinusitis and mastoiditis. This condition, which can affect both humans and gorillas, likely developed before Mizani was transferred to the Safari Park in November 2024.
Dr. Jeffrey Harris, an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, and Dr. Kris Suresh, a resident fellow, were essential to the surgical team. They adapted surgical techniques from human medicine due to the anatomical similarities between humans and gorillas, despite the lack of prior records of such a procedure on a gorilla.
Unique Surgical Procedure
The surgery, which lasted approximately five hours, involved a careful incision along the left side of Mizani’s head to access the infected area. The team drained the infection and removed portions of the infected mastoid bone and tissue. Over 20 professionals, including veterinarians, physicians, and technicians, collaborated to ensure Mizani received the highest standard of care.
