Kelly

More than three decades of observation have shown Kelly to be a steady presence in his troop. His deep, resonant vocalizations often echo through the enclosure, marking his role as a mature male.

Born on 11 April 1987 at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, he entered the world as the son of Cleopatra and Chris. Being captive‑born, his early years were spent under the watchful eyes of keepers who monitored his growth alongside his mother.

A transfer to Denver Zoo on 25 April 2003 introduced him to a new social setting, where he spent over four years before returning to his original home on 14 September 2007. Since that date he has remained at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, integrating back into the group he first knew.

Now 39 years old, he represents the western lowland gorilla, a subspecies listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. His longevity offers valuable insight for conservation efforts and serves as a living link to the species’ natural history.