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Gorilla Swap: Beloved Silverback Leaves for New Family
15 May
Summary
- Two young male gorillas are arriving to replace a departing silverback.
- The departing silverback is part of a global species conservation effort.
- Western lowland gorillas face threats from poaching and habitat loss.
Franklin Park Zoo announced Thursday that Little Joe, a 33-year-old silverback gorilla, will be transferred to the Pittsburgh Zoo. This move is part of a critical global species conservation initiative for western lowland gorillas, which are critically endangered. Little Joe's transfer was recommended by the American Zoological Association to help the species survive.
While Little Joe departs, Franklin Park Zoo will welcome two new male gorillas later this year: Frankie, a 7-year-old, and Moke, an 8-year-old. They will join a bachelor group, a natural social structure for young male gorillas. Little Joe's departure is bittersweet for staff and visitors who have bonded with him over his many years at the zoo.
Western lowland gorillas are native to central Africa but face severe threats, including disease, poaching for bushmeat, and habitat destruction from logging and mining. Little Joe's move to Pittsburgh is significant as it presents an opportunity for him to become a father, contributing to the survival of his species.
