The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has announced the arrival of Johari, a 24-year-old female western lowland gorilla, from the Toronto Zoo. Johari was recommended as a potential breeding partner for Calgary's silverback Jasiri by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. Her arrival brings the total gorilla troop size to seven, following the death of two-year-old Eyare last November due to human error, which prompted significant safety and animal welfare reviews at the zoo.
Calgary Zoo announces new addition to gorilla troop
Calgary
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has announced the arrival of Johari, a 24-year-old female western lowland gorilla, from the Toronto Zoo. Johari was recommended as a potential breeding partner for Calgary's silverback Jasiri by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. Her arrival brings the total gorilla troop size to seven, following the death of two-year-old Eyare last November due to human error, which prompted significant safety and animal welfare reviews at the zoo.
- 1 Last November: Two-year-old gorilla Eyare died at the Calgary Zoo.
- 2 Last week: Johari arrived at the Calgary Zoo.
- 3 Wednesday (July 2, 2025): Calgary Zoo announced Johari's arrival.
- Increase in Calgary Zoo's gorilla troop size
- Potential for breeding within the gorilla troop
- Continued focus on animal welfare and safety protocols at the zoo
What: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo welcomed a new western lowland gorilla named Johari to its troop.
When: Johari arrived last week; the announcement was made on Wednesday (July 2, 2025). The previous gorilla, Eyare, died last November.
Where: Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Johari was transferred from the Toronto Zoo.
Why: Johari was recommended as a potential breeding partner for Calgary's silverback Jasiri by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. Her arrival also helps increase the troop size after a previous death.
How: Johari was transferred from the Toronto Zoo. She will undergo a couple of weeks of quarantine in the African Rainforest building before being gradually introduced to the existing gorilla troop.