Maka

Western lowland gorillas face extinction in the wild, with fewer than 100,000 remaining across their African range. Maka was part of the managed breeding program designed to maintain genetic diversity for this critically endangered subspecies. His parents, Jessica and Memba, produced him at San Diego Zoo in the summer of 1995.

Captive-born gorillas like Maka represent crucial genetic lines for conservation efforts. He grew up within the established troop structure at San Diego Zoo, developing under the care of keepers who monitored his progress from infant to adult silverback. The transition from juvenile to mature male takes years in gorillas, with physical and social changes occurring gradually.

Three decades passed with him as part of the San Diego Zoo community. His subspecies, Gorilla gorilla gorilla, remains one of the most threatened great apes on the planet. In August 2025, heart problems ended his life at the age of 30 – within the typical lifespan range for gorillas in managed care.