Two young gorillas born at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are preparing for a major move this spring.
Moyo and ZaKota, both born in 2018, will relocate to the Dallas Zoo in March following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Breeding and Transfer Plan. The SSP coordinates animal placements among accredited institutions to support healthy, genetically diverse and sustainable populations.
The brothers were the first successful gorilla births in Riverbanks’ history. Their transfer reflects more than eight years of hands-on work by the zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams, who have supported them from birth through this next stage of development. The move will allow Moyo and ZaKota to contribute to the broader western lowland gorilla population.
Their family group will remain at Riverbanks. First-time mothers Kazi and Macy, “aunt” Acacia and father Cenzoo will continue to anchor the troop as part of ongoing SSP conservation efforts.
“Being part of Moyo and ZaKota’s story from such a young age and now helping them prepare for this move is incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Ryan Jones, Riverbanks’ Gorilla and Small Mammal Supervisor. “We’re proud of the care and commitment that has gone into raising them and of the foundation that will help them thrive and contribute to the future of their species.”
The relocation mirrors what occurs in the wild, where maturing male gorillas leave their family group to join bachelor troops. At the Dallas Zoo, Moyo and ZaKota will join two other young males in a bachelor group designed to support natural social and physical development.
Preparing the brothers for the move has taken years of training. Once they began eating solid food, keepers taught them to participate in their own care by presenting hands, feet, mouths and other body parts on cue for routine health checks. Over the past two years, training has focused on the transition itself, including time spent in transfer crates, travel-related behaviors and increased independence from their mothers.
“When they leave, Moyo and ZaKota will each know more than 30 trained behaviors that allow them to participate in their own medical care,” Jones said. “That level of training means their new care team can build on an established foundation of trust.”
Riverbanks plans to remain actively involved in gorilla conservation efforts.
“We would love to see more gorilla youngsters here someday,” Jones added. “Kazi, Macy and Cenzoo have been excellent parents, and if the SSP recommends it, we would be excited to contribute again in the future.”
Guests are encouraged to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in the coming weeks to wish the brothers farewell before they begin their next chapter in Texas. For updates, visit riverbanks.org.