Zawadi

Western lowland gorillas face extinction in the wild, with fewer than 100,000 remaining across their African range. Zawadi represents hope for his critically endangered subspecies through managed breeding programs that maintain genetic diversity outside their shrinking habitat.

Born at Lincoln Park Zoo to parents Jo Ray K and Brooks, he spent his early years learning essential social behaviors within that established troop. The move to Disney’s Animal Kingdom came when he was nearly six years old — a critical age for young male gorillas beginning to assert independence from their mothers.

Since arriving in Florida in 1997, he has matured into adulthood at one of the most visited zoological facilities in the world. His presence helps educate millions of guests annually about the conservation challenges facing Gorilla gorilla gorilla in Central and West Africa.

Now over three decades old, he has lived through significant changes in gorilla care and conservation science. His longevity in managed care provides valuable insights for researchers studying great ape behavior and health.