Page 27 - Annual Report 2022
P. 27
ANIMAL
Highlights Western
WELCOME JONTU!
Lowland Gorilla
In February 2023, Brookfield Zoo
welcomed Jontu, a 26-year-old
silverback western lowland gorilla.
Jontu, a member of the bachelor
group from the Saint Louis Zoo,
arrived upon a recommendation
from the AZA Western Lowland
Gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP).
As part of the recommendation,
7-year-old Zachary moved to Saint
Louis Zoo to take Jontu’s place.
As young male gorillas, known
as blackbacks, leave their natal group
in their adolescence, many form
bachelor groups. During this time,
they mature and develop leadership
qualities before forming a family of
their own.
Jontu was successfully introduced
to the female gorillas: Binti, 35;
Koola, 28; Kamba,18; Nora, 9; and
Ali, 4; and has acclimated to his new
home and family. He made his debut
in Tropic World: Africa in March.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT 25
