San Diego Zoos Received Two New Gorillas
The San Diego Zoo and its Safari Park recently welcomed two new gorillas as part of national population management efforts.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wildlife
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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo acquired two gorillas, Matumaini and Kitoko, in late August and early September 2026. These transfers were conducted to ensure healthy social structures and genetic diversity following the loss of previous silverbacks.
Why it matters
Managing captive primate populations is vital to maintaining the health and genetic viability of the species in professional care. These moves follow the loss of long-standing silverbacks, allowing facilities to maintain natural social groupings.
Matumaini is a 33-year-old silverback while Kitoko is a 6-year-old male, joining a troop at the Safari Park that currently includes five female members.
The players
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
This professional organization accredits zoos and oversees the Gorilla Species Survival Plan to ensure healthy captive populations.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
This facility functions as a conservation park that houses a gorilla troop currently consisting of five females and a new silverback.
The details
The Safari Park successfully integrated the new silverback Matumaini into its troop by providing initial auditory and olfactory contact with the resident females. Meanwhile, the younger gorilla Kitoko arrived at the San Diego Zoo to support the development of appropriate social groups for young males.
Timeline
May 15, 2026: Silverback Paul Donn died from a bacterial infection.
August 20, 2026: Matumaini arrived at the Safari Park from the Sedgwick County Zoo.
September 2, 2026: Kitoko arrived at the San Diego Zoo from the Woodland Park Zoo.
Roadmap
These transfers reflect the ongoing efforts of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan to manage the genetic health of over 330 apes in U.S. zoos. By carefully coordinating the movement of silverbacks, zoos ensure that social groups remain stable and genetically diverse over generations.
Visitors to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park may notice changes in the gorilla troop dynamics as the new arrivals continue their integration process. These social adjustments are part of the daily routine for animal care staff to ensure the well-being of the primate groups.
The takeaway
Maintaining healthy social structures for gorillas requires proactive management and careful coordination between zoological facilities. Visitors can support these conservation efforts by engaging with accredited institutions that prioritize animal welfare and species survival.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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