Buffalo Zoo introduces new gorilla, Babatunde

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Buffalo Zoo introduces Babatunde, an 18-year-old silverback western lowland gorilla, as part of its ongoing commitment to conservation and species preservation, with plants to integrate him into the zoo’s gorilla troop.

Buffalo welcomes a new 18-year-old male silverback western lowland gorilla, which will be introduced to the public on Nov. 15, 2024, at the Buffalo Zoo.

The Buffalo Zoo's website states that it is “excited to announce several major additions to our animal family this fall, highlighting the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and species preservation.”

 Not only did the Buffalo Zoo get a new silverback western lowland gorilla, but they also introduced many more new animals to the public. “Among the new arrivals is an impressive silverback gorilla, a new troop of four patas monkeys, three addax antelope, and a diverse array of bird and animal species.”

In Feb. 2024, The Lamron produced an article titled “Gorilla and giraffe lives lost at separate Western New York zoos,” which covered the death of  Koga, the Buffalo Zoo’s silverback western lowland gorilla, who died on Thursday, Feb. 15. 

Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith stated, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our male silverback western lowland gorilla, Koga, who died yesterday morning from a cardiac event.” Koga was born at the Bronx Zoo in New York City on August 14, 1987, but he spent seventeen years at the Buffalo Zoo. 

According to the Buffalo Zoo, the average life expectancy for captive lowland gorillas is roughly 32.7 years, “meaning that 36-year-old Koga lived a long, fulfilled life, fathering three children while at Buffalo; Mari (13), Kayin (8), and Nyah (10).” as covered by The Lamron last semester. Now it is time for a new male silverback western lowland gorilla to take up Koga’s mantle.

The Buffalo Zoo brought Babatunde home to Buffalo back in Sept. 2024. “He is part of a nationwide effort to support conservation efforts in the wild while ensuring there is still a healthy population in human care,” The Buffalo Zoo explains, “He is currently off exhibit, but the zoo says it will be sharing more details soon.” 

The day finally came to introduce Babatunde to the public. The Buffalo Zoo stated, "Babatunde has been undergoing a gradual acclimation process behind the scenes, supervised by the zoo's experienced animal care staff.” The name Babatunde in Yoruba —a language spoken in West Africa— translates to “father returns” or “a father has returned.” 

Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith told Buffalo reporters, "The integration of Babatunde with the Zoo's female gorillas, Lily and Sidney, is progressing steadily, but it may be some time before the troop is fully integrated and out together full time."

Smith explains, "We are so excited to have a new male here that will hopefully bond with our girls and be able to grow our group in the future.” Nonetheless, Buffalo WGRZ Channel 2 reports that it may take some time for all three gorillas to get comfortable with each other. Buffalo Zoo veteran gorillas Lily and Sidney will have to show Babatunde the ropes. 

“The Buffalo Zoo invites the public to come meet these incredible new animals and to learn more about their roles in conservation.” The Buffalo Zoo continues, “Check the Buffalo Zoo website for more information and stay tuned to learn more about Babatunde’s coming debut in the weeks ahead.”

While there is still much mourning for the death of Koga, who was a friend to many and father of three, there is comfort in Babatunde’s arrival.