SEATTLE — Woodland Park Zoo is saying goodbye to its 6-year-old male western lowland gorilla.
Kitoko is moving to a new home. The last day to see him will be Monday, August 31.
According to the zoo, Kitoko has reached the subadult stage of a gorilla, when males naturally leave their birth family.
“Kitoko has entered the phase of testing the patience of family members, especially the females. He has always been adventurous, energetic and playful, but as a 6-year-old male he’s becoming rowdier, trying to push his weight around while the adults keep him in check,” said Arden Robert, Animal Care Manager of Primates at Woodland Park Zoo. “Rather than wait before he becomes too boisterous, resulting in family scuffles, this is an auspicious time to move him to a new home where he can live with other males of similar ages and temperaments.” At Woodland Park Zoo, Kitoko’s family consists of mom Uzumma; dad Kwame; adult females Nadiri, Akenji and Yola; and juvenile female Zuna, who is a year younger than her half-brother. Kitoko was born on March 4, 2020 – a few days before the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The baby gorilla endeared himself to legions of fans of all ages throughout the community as they watched him grow via closed-circuit cam, reels, and photos we shared on our social media channels, especially while we were closed to the public during the first four months of his life,” said Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo. “This precious gorilla touched the hearts of many and brought much-needed uplifting, laughter, and joy during a time of social distancing and throughout his time here. While we’re going to miss having Kitoko in our family, we can’t help but be very excited for the long-term benefits the move will have for him as he grows into adulthood and thrives with other bachelor gorillas.”
The zoo has been working with the Gorilla Species Survival Plan to identify a new home for Kitoko. He will move to a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, like Woodland Park Zoo, where he will be socialized with an all-male group of gorillas and cared for by high-caliber gorilla caretakers and veterinary staff.
“Out of respect for the gorilla’s new home and their wish to go bananas announcing his arrival, the name of the zoo is being withheld until he arrives safely and settles into his new surroundings,” staff shared. A caretaker will travel with Kitoko and stay for several days to help him settle into his new home.
Staff have been working on crate training to help Kitoko become comfortable with the process. He’s been eating his breakfast and dinner in the crate to make him feel at ease.
“Because of the trusting relationships cultivated between the gorilla care team and each gorilla, crate training for Kitoko is progressing very well—he entered the crate on day one. On cue, he enters the crate, eats his meals in the crate and exits. This will tremendously help keep the relocation on track,” said Robert.
“Of course, we are also sad to see him leave. We loved watching him grow up, and he brings so much joy to the gorilla keepers, zoo guests and fans. I am especially going to miss seeing his cute face every day and watching his mischievous self run around causing trouble and playing with Zuna, but we know this is the best decision for him,” said Tesh Hunter, a gorilla keeper at Woodland Park Zoo.
In addition to Kitoko’s family group, Woodland Park Zoo currently cares for six other gorillas who live in a separate family group.
©2026 Cox Media Group
