Tommy

When Tommy first crossed the threshold of his birthplace, the Bronx Zoo welcomed a tiny silver‑back. He was born to Huerfanita and Kongo on 2 September 1988, a day that marked the beginning of a long life in managed care.

After just four days with his parents, he joined the broader Wildlife Conservation Society community before moving on to ABQ BioPark on 6 September 1988. The transition to a new environment was smooth, and he settled into the larger exhibit that would become his home for the next twelve years.

In 2000, the gorilla journeyed to Kansas City Zoo on 8 April, where he spent four years honing his social skills within a new troop. The move was a routine part of his growth plan, and he adapted quickly.

The last transfer took place on 9 June 2004, when Tommy arrived at Sedgwick County Zoo, where he has remained ever since. His current age is 37, and he continues to be a familiar sight for visitors and a key member of the zoo’s conservation efforts.