Amare

A summer morning in 2005 brought a new arrival to Lincoln Park Zoo’s gorilla troop—Amare, born to Kowali and Kwanza. His birth added fresh genetics to a critically endangered subspecies, Gorilla gorilla gorilla, and keepers marked the date with quiet excitement.

Growing up under his mother’s watchful eye, he learned the subtle cues of troop life in captivity. As he passed the juvenile stage, keepers noted the gradual thickening of his chest and the deepening of his vocalizations, signs of a silverback in the making.

Now 21 years old, he remains a familiar figure on the zoo’s grasslands, often seen lounging in the shade or engaging in gentle play with younger members. His presence offers both a living link to his lineage and an educational ambassador for a species facing dire threats in the wild.

Lincoln Park Zoo continues to monitor his health and behavior, ensuring he enjoys a high quality of life while reminding visitors of the urgent need to protect his wild relatives.