Silverback Gorilla Joins Troop At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — Silverback gorilla Paul Donn has joined the troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Paul Donn is the troop's first silverback since beloved Winston's death last year.

Jessica, the 44-year-old female who has been living with 36-year-old Paul Donn, has also joined the troop.

The arrival of a silverback will benefit the troop's dynamic, and the move marks Paul Donn's return to the troop he was raised in, according to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Paul Donn was one of two unrelated males that Winston allowed into his troop until they neared reproductive age. Winston, who died at 52, was one of the oldest silverbacks in the world. Now Paul Donn will carry on the gentle giant's legacy.

In a troop of gorillas, one adult male — the silverback — leads the rest and is responsible for the decision-making, safety and well-being of the family. According to officials, the transition of Paul Donn and Jessica from the San Diego Zoo to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will allow the San Diego Zoo to support bachelor gorillas.

Paul Donn and Jessica, along with the rest of the troop, can be seen at Gorilla Forest at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.