Kokamo

In the late 1980s, a newborn gorilla named Kokamo arrived at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the daughter of Kathryn and Moemba. From her first wobbly steps, keepers noted the calm curiosity that would define her life.

She grew up amid a close‑knit troop, her mother’s guidance shaping social skills that later helped her integrate into a new group. When the move to San Diego Zoo Safari Park came in March 2010, the transition was smooth; the familiar faces of caretakers made the change feel like an extension of home.

For more than a decade at the Safari Park, Kokamo became a familiar presence, often observed lounging on the enrichment platforms or engaging in gentle play. Her longevity—reaching 36 years—mirrored the dedication of the staff who cared for her throughout both facilities.

On 22 January 2025, she passed away at the Safari Park. While the cause remains unknown, her life story highlights the importance of sustained, quality care for a species listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.