Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo welcome two new female gorillas

Press Release Louisville Zoo

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are pleased to announce the arrival of two new female Western lowland gorillas to the award-winning Gorilla Forest. Obi, 11, and Andi, 10, join the Zoo from Zoo Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Obi and Andi are half-sisters. Obi (oh-BEE) takes her name from the Igbo language of southeast Nigeria, where it means “heart.” Andi (AND-ee) is named in honor of community advocate Andie Raye, a supporter of Zoo Knoxville’s gorilla conservation program; the name also means “brave, strong and courageous.” As they settle in, Obi and Andi will learn, bond and build the foundation for a future family group with 29-year-old male gorilla, Kicho.

“We are thrilled to welcome Obi and Andi to Louisville,” said Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Their arrival is an exciting step forward for our gorilla program and our commitment to the cooperative conservation of these incredible great apes. Successful integration of this new family group will be a great contribution to the future of Western lowland gorillas. Our guests are in for a terrific treat as they connect with these charismatic animals.”

The arrival of the two females brings the total to three distinct gorilla troops at Gorilla Forest.

The Zoo’s second family group includes silverback Casey and females Kweli, Paki and Patty, along with female juvenile Kindi and male infant Abeo. The third gorilla group consists of two males: Bengati and Jelani.

Each group rotates through the five habitats in Gorilla Forest. Obi and Andi have completed their standard 30-day quarantine and will join that rotation this week. They both come to the Louisville Zoo with future breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

Notably, Andi has a special Louisville Zoo connection as the granddaughter of Frank, the well-known male gorilla who resided at the Louisville Zoo from the opening of Gorilla Forest in 2002 until 2008.

While gorillas thrive in zoos, wild gorillas face dramatic population declines and uncertain futures. The formation of this new family group, based on Gorilla Species Survival Plan recommendations, ensures that a strong and sustainable zoo population continues for generations to come.

About Western Lowland Gorillas

Only found in the dense forests of west central Africa, gorillas are critically endangered and could face extinction if stronger efforts are not mounted to protect them. The primary threats to their survival are illegal poaching, civil unrest, disease, and habitat destruction due to extractive industries such as mining.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.

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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 a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).