Home / Environment / Franklin Park Zoo's Little Joe Leaves for Rare Breeding Mission
Franklin Park Zoo's Little Joe Leaves for Rare Breeding Mission
22 Apr
Summary
- Little Joe, a 400-pound, 33-year-old gorilla, is leaving Franklin Park Zoo.
- He was selected for a breeding program to help preserve his critically endangered species.
- Two new male gorillas will arrive at the zoo after Little Joe's departure.
Little Joe, a 33-year-old, 400-pound western lowland gorilla, is preparing to leave Franklin Park Zoo. His departure is driven by a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to aid in the preservation of his critically endangered species.
Zoo officials highlighted Little Joe's genetics and temperament as key factors in his selection for this important conservation effort. Visitors have the opportunity to sign farewell cards for him this week.
This move is part of a larger AZA initiative to manage gorilla populations across accredited zoos. Following Little Joe's departure, Franklin Park Zoo will welcome two new young male gorillas later this spring, including Moke from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.
Western lowland gorillas face significant threats in the wild, including disease and poaching, making such breeding programs crucial for their survival. The zoo staff expressed that while they will miss Little Joe, they are excited for his role in starting a new family and contributing to species preservation.
