27-year-old gorilla Cecil leaving Louisville to become troop leader at San Francisco Zoo

Cecil, a 27-year-old male western lowland gorilla, will move from the Louisville Zoo to the San Francisco Zoo to lead a new family group, according to a joint announcement. A farewell celebration is scheduled for July 12, allowing the public to engage in special activities before his transfer in August. Louisville Zoo staff expressed enthusiasm for Cecil's new chapter, highlighting his readiness to take on a leadership role after living in a bachelor group. His genetics align well with the female gorillas at San Francisco, making him a promising candidate for future breeding, though introductions will be gradual. The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at the San Francisco Zoo offers a nearly one-acre habitat, enhancing the gorillas' quality of life.

This relocation aligns with conservation initiatives aimed at supporting the critically endangered species. Ron Evans, General Curator of the Louisville Zoo, emphasized the importance of timing and animal behavior in this transition. The move not only benefits Cecil but also contributes to the genetic diversity of gorillas in human care.