Cleveland Zoo Kicks Off World Gorilla Day Party With 2 New Residents

CLEVELAND, OH—Just in time for the inaugural World Gorilla Day this weekend, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has introduced its two newest residents: Fredrika (aka “Freddy”) and Kebi Moya, a pair of female gorillas. The ladies with join the zoo's long-term resident Mokolo, a 30-year-old male silverback gorilla.

Freddy, 43, comes from Zoo Miami in Florida and Kebi, 26, comes from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The two female gorillas were selected to create this troop based on their social experience and behavioral characteristics, according to experts at the Cleveland Zoo. Having multiple females and a single adult male gorilla is common social structure in the wild.

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The gorillas are in the final stages of a structured introduction process to ensure the success of the new social group. Freddy and Kebi were first introduced to each other and bonded over several weeks before being introduced to Mokolo, zoo officials said. The group continues to successfully bond as they establish their social structure and will soon be visible in their habitat for public to meet.

Prior to public introduction, exclusive content, updates and behind-the-scenes footage will be shared on Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Facebook page. This will include a weekly Facebook LIVE segment, #FutureForGorillas, with various zoo experts. Viewers will be able to tune in and join the conversation at noon on Thursdays.

On Sunday, Sept. 24, zoo visitors Zoo can learn more about the species and celebrate World Gorilla Day at the zoo's Stillwater Place. Activities will include talks from our gorilla keepers and researchers, crafts and games, opportunities to take action for gorilla conservation and a video introduction to the zoo's new female gorillas.

"World Gorilla Day creates the opportunity for people all over the world to come together in celebrating gorillas, and more importantly, to take action to protect gorillas in the wild," said Kristen E. Lukas, the zoo's Director of Conservation & Science and Chair for the AZA Gorilla Species Survival Plan.

Gorillas are critically endangered and fewer than 4,500 Eastern gorillas remain in the world. Wild gorilla populations are severely affected by human activity including hunting and the destruction of their habitat to mining and agriculture.

Images used by permission from the Cleveland Zoo