Nsabi

A July 1995 arrival at the Calgary Zoo marked the start of Nsabi’s life in human care. His mother, Donge, and father, Kakinga, were present from the first day, giving him a familiar family group in the exhibit.

When he turned eleven, a July move in 2006 transferred him to Zoo de Granby, where he would remain for the rest of his days. Keepers there noted his steady growth into a silverback, a transformation that unfolded over the next decade.

His subspecies, the western lowland gorilla, is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, highlighting the importance of each captive animal. Nsabi’s presence contributed to the ongoing genetic management of the species.

On 29 July 2016, he died at Granby at the age of 21. The cause of death was not recorded, but his two decades of life left a lasting imprint on the staff who cared for him.