This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A 43-year-old Hogle Zoo gorilla has had an apparently successful surgery for cancer -- and zoo officials say they do not now plan to euthanize her.
Zoo officials say a surgeon this morning completed a hysterectomy on the elderly African-born ape, "Muke," removing her ovaries and uterus.
Tissue samples also were taken from a polyp and will be sent to the lab, but the zoo says at this time there is no reason to euthanize her; they had said they would consider taking that action if the cancer was found to be too badly spread.
Zoo officials say that in order to allow Muke a peaceful recovery, the gorilla display will be closed through today.
