Go West, Young Silverback! Louisville Zoo and San Francisco Zoo Announce Exciting New Chapter for Gorilla Cecil

Press Release Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens are proud to announce the upcoming move of 27-year-old male western lowland gorilla Cecil to California. Louisville Zoo staff are very excited to see Cecil have an opportunity to begin a new social chapter and lead his own gorilla group at the San Francisco Zoo.

Cecil was born on Nov. 3, 1998, at the Cincinnati Zoo. Since arriving at the Louisville Zoo in January 2004, Cecil has been a part of a young bachelor group comprised of Bengati, Kicho and Jelani. A common and enriching arrangement modeled after wild gorilla behavior, these groups allow maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally.

Recently, Cecil was identified by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a promising candidate for the eventual leadership of his own family group. His lineage offers a strong match for the female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, although no breeding will be recommended until after his phased social introductions.

Special Celebration

Louisville Zoo guests can visit with Cecil at a special celebration on Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gorilla Forest. There will be special keeper talks, docent interpretation with biofacts and children and families can sign a card to wish Cecil well on his new adventure in San Francisco.

"Moving a gorilla isn’t just about logistics — it’s about heart, science and timing," said Louisville Zoo General Curator, Ron Evans, who will personally accompany Cecil during transport in August. “We’ve observed Cecil distancing from his bachelor companion Kicho, which aligns perfectly with this next stage of his life.”

Cecil's new home will be The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at San Francisco Zoo, a lush, nearly one-acre habitat. With both outdoor and specialized indoor facilities, the space has supported generations of gorillas since 1980 as part of San Francisco Zoo’s longstanding and successful breeding program.

“We are excited to welcome Cecil to lead our gorilla troop,” said Eric Krussman, San Francisco Zoo’s Executive Vice President of Animal Care. “Cecil will enjoy a peaceful, serene grassy habitat with rocky structures and a cypress tree to climb and, of course, a new family group. We thank Louisville Zoo for giving Cecil a rousing send-off, as we know he is a fan favorite there.”

The female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, Kimani, Monifa and Bawang — who are affectionately called the "three bachelorettes"— will be gradually introduced to Cecil over several months to allow social bonds to form before any consideration is given to breeding. Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos emphasize patience and stability during transitions like these to ensure the animals’ wellbeing.

About Gorilla Management in Zoos

Through managed breeding and deep understanding of natural behavior, the Gorilla SSP aims to maintain a genetically healthy gorilla population for the next century — while raising public awareness about gorilla conservation and the threats faced by wild populations.

Bachelor groups mimic the way young silverbacks naturally leave their natal troops in the wild and bond with peers. Some gorillas eventually lead families; others remain lifelong bachelors — both are valid and enriching life paths.

About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. The 100-acre park is home to over 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing nearly 200 species, and seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, opened in 1980, continues the Zoo’s decades-long legacy of gorilla care and breeding excellence. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.