Cecil the Gorilla in Pictures

Cecil is a 26-year-old male silverback western lowland gorilla currently residing at the San Francisco Zoo. He was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1998 and later lived at the Louisville Zoo before moving to San Francisco in early August 2025. Cecil is the new leader of the zoo’s gorilla troop, joining three resident female gorillas. This is his first time leading a family group. Described as even-tempered, calm, and “chill,” Cecil has adapted well to his new environment and social group. He was chosen as a promising candidate to lead the troop and potentially mate with the females, helping to sustain the gorilla population at the zoo. His arrival followed the unexpected death of the previous silverback, Oscar Jonesy, earlier in 2025. Cecil made his official public debut at the San Francisco Zoo in October 2025.