Gorilla SSP

06/13/2026

We’re headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo today for our birthday celebration. This handsome fella is
Djeke, and today is his 7th birthday. Born and raised at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Djeke is named after the Djeke Triangle in the Republic of Congo where the longest-running gorilla research site exists in Western Equatorial Africa. Described as a playful, sweet, and resilient little guy, Djeke loves wrestling with Mondika, hanging out and becoming a silverback in the making!
📷 from Brittny Olson

06/12/2026

An announcement you have all been waiting for! Barika’s baby is a boy, and his name is Nkuba. 🦍🎉

Pronounced n-KOO-buh, his name was chosen by his care team to honor the Nkuba Conservation Area, a community-managed reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo established and managed by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

This protected area helps safeguard critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas while supporting local community members who work as trackers and conservationists. While Nkuba is a western lowland gorilla, his name connects his story here at the Zoo to the larger work being done to protect gorillas in the wild.

The name Nkuba can also be associated with “rain” or “lightning” in Central African languages, and as a surname, it is often connected to strength, power, and leadership.

A strong name for a very special little one. Welcome, Nkuba. 🧡

06/12/2026

Sully is 10 months old!

He is becoming more independent and confident in his interactions with the rest of the troop, often exploring while his mom, Asha, keeps a watchful eye nearby. Sully has been spending more time around his dad, Goma, and aunt, Kwisha. As Sully has grown, Asha has become more comfortable with his interactions with the rest of the troop.

Sully seems especially interested in his dad, Goma, and is often seen following his lead. When Goma begins foraging, Sully is usually quick to join in. Aunt Kwisha and Sully have had some cute playful interactions and seem comfortable spending time near each other.

Visit the gorilla troop in Primate World during your next visit to CMZoo!

06/12/2026

Sending positive vibes to Cenzoo and the team at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Pulling for you big guy.

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

We’re headed to the Sedgwick County Zoo today for our second birthday celebration! This handsome fella is Matumaini, and today is his 33rd birthday! Originally born at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Matt spent 10 years at the Oklahoma City Zoo before heading to Sedgwick in 2004 to lead their family group. Since he took over, he’s become an amazing leader and father of 2. While the group may have changed, we’re sure your day was as amazing as you big guy!
📷 from Katie Kiker

06/11/2026

We’re headed to the San Antonio Zoo today for our first birthday celebration! This handsome fella is B’wenzi, and today is his 24th birthday! Originally born at the Toledo Zoo (and you can tell with that unique Kwisha brow ridge), B’wenzi headed to Dallas in 2010 to join their bachelor group and made his was to San Antonio last year. We hope you and the rest of the bachelors had a great day celebrating your bday! 📷 from Max Block

06/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BRa2LJRkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The recent trade of western lowland gorillas, Little Joe and Frankie caught the attention of sports fans across the country. Animal moves are no game though. They are carefully guided by a single goal – to protect the future of the world’s most critically endangered species.

The moves were recommended by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative effort designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population of gorillas in human care. Both animals are curiously exploring their new spaces. Guests may even catch glimpses of Little Joe over the next few weeks at the Tropical Forest Complex.

By supporting the well-being of endangered gorillas and other remarkable species through a donation to the Zoo’s Annual Fund, you ensure a better future for gorillas and all our animals! Learn more here: https://ow.ly/XJbZ50ZaBYP

06/11/2026

We’re headed to Omaha's Zoo & Aquarium today for our birthday celebration! This handsome fella is Kijito, and today is his 31st birthday! Originally born at the Cincinnati Zoo, Kijito made his way to Omaha early on in 1996! I’m sure his day was filled with love, snacks, and some special visitors! Happy bday big guy!
📷 from Callie Sue Nanfito