Western Lowland Silverback Gorilla 'Cecil' Heads To The SF Zoo

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens will soon welcome Cecil the gorilla as its newest resident.

Cecil, a western lowland silverback (i.e. male), will join SF Zoo’s current gorilla group – Kimani, Monifa and Bawang, all female – in the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve this August. Zoo visitors can expect to see him sometime in the fall, shared Nancy Chan, SF Zoo's Director of Communications.

“We are excited to welcome Cecil to lead our gorilla troop,” said Eric Krussman, the SF 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.”

Cecil spent the past 21 years in the “Gorilla Forest” at Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, where he lived with three fellow male “bachelor” gorillas. Groups like these are “modeled after wild gorilla behavior [and] allow maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally,” according to a news release.

Now 27-years-old and fully mature, Cecil is ready for the next chapter in his life — including the move from Kentucky to California.

"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 his transport to San Francisco.

The Louisville Zoo and the SF Zoo are both Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions, which “meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare,” according to the AZA website. As noted in the news release, “AZA-accredited zoos emphasize patience and stability during transitions like these to ensure the animals’ wellbeing.”

Once Cecil arrives at the SF Zoo, his introduction to the three female gorillas will occur gradually over several months to form a social bond with his new companions and adapt to the nearly one-acre space in which he’ll reside.

The Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) identified Cecil as a “promising candidate for the eventual leadership of a family group,” and his genetics “are a strong match for the female gorillas at SF Zoo,” the news release noted.

During a farewell event at the Louisville Zoo on Saturday, July 12, guests will be signing a goodbye card that will make its way to San Francisco with Cecil.

“We thank Louisville Zoo for giving Cecil a rousing send-off, as we know he is a fan favorite there,” said Krussman.

Those interested in SF Zoo & Gardens updates can subscribe to the “Animail” newsletter, sent via email.