THE LOUISVILLE ZOO AND the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announced that Cecil, a 27-year-old male western lowland gorilla, will be relocated to California later this summer to begin a new chapter as the leader of a family group.
“Louisville Zoo staff are very excited to see Cecil have an opportunity to begin a new social chapter and lead his own gorilla group at the San Francisco Zoo,” the zoos said in a joint statement Thursday.
Born on November 3, 1998, at the Cincinnati Zoo, Cecil has lived at the Louisville Zoo since January 2004. During that time, he has been part of a bachelor group with three other silverbacks: Bengati, Kicho and Jelani.
“A common and enriching arrangement modeled after wild gorilla behavior, these groups allow maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally,” the statement read.
Now considered fully mature, Cecil has been identified by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan as “a promising candidate for the eventual leadership of a family group.” His genetics are described as a “strong match for the female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo,” though “no breeding will be recommended until after his phased social introductions.”
The public will have an opportunity to say goodbye to Cecil at a special celebration on July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Louisville Zoo’s Gorilla Forest.
“There will be special keeper talks, docent interpretation with biofacts and children and families can sign a goodbye card that will be sent with Cecil to San Francisco,” the zoo said.
“Moving a gorilla isn’t just about logistics — it’s about heart, science and timing,” said Ron Evans, General Curator of the Louisville Zoo, who will accompany Cecil during his August transfer. “We’ve observed Cecil distancing from his bachelor companion Kicho, which aligns perfectly with this next stage of his life.”
Cecil’s new home will be The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at the San Francisco Zoo, described as “a lush, nearly one-acre habitat” that includes outdoor and indoor facilities, and has housed generations of gorillas since 1980.
“We are excited to welcome Cecil to lead our gorilla troop,” said Eric Krussman, San Francisco 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. We thank Louisville Zoo for giving Cecil a rousing send-off, as we know he is a fan favorite there.”
The female gorillas at the San Francisco Zoo — Kimani, Monifa and Bawang, affectionately referred to as the “three bachelorettes” — will be introduced to Cecil gradually over several months. “AZA-accredited zoos emphasize patience and stability during transitions like these to ensure the animals’ wellbeing,” the zoos said.
Western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered, and zoos across the United States participate in collaborative breeding programs to support conservation goals and maintain genetic diversity in human care.
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