Brookfield Zoo is simian-sational news with the arrival of Jontu, the new silverback in town! This 7-year-old western lowland gorilla has made his new home at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, and is getting ready to meet his all-female gorilla family.
In a gorilla-rific move, Jontu will stay behind the scenes for a few weeks to get comfortable with his new surroundings, the animal care specialists, and the other gorillas. The female gorillas will have the choice to spend time with Jontu, and there may be times when the Africa section is closed to guests.
At the same time, the zoo had to say goodbye to Zachary, another 7-year-old western lowland gorilla, who has now moved to the Saint Louis Zoo. Zachary will be joining a bachelor group, where he can learn important skills from the silverbacks and become a successful leader.
This transfer was made with the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan, a program aimed at conserving the critically endangered western lowland gorillas.
“Gorilla-ty of excitement at Brookfield Zoo! We’re grateful to our partners at Saint Louis Zoo for their collaborative efforts in making the transition for these amazing animals as seamless as possible,” said Tim Snyder, Vice President of Animal Care.
So come on down to Brookfield Zoo and give Jontu a warm welcome! It’s going to be a wild time with these gorilla-licious puns!
