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Birmingham Zoo Gorilla, Cenzoo, Moving to South Carolina

Cenzoo, the Birmingham Zoo’s western lowland gorilla moves on February 25 to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. The Birmingham Zoo joins the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other zoos around the world in maintaining Species Survival Plan® Programs, cooperative breeding and conservation initiatives. This move allows Cenzoo to join two female gorillas from the Atlanta Zoo to form a new breeding group. Today, the western lowland gorilla is critically endangered. The main cause of population decline for western lowland gorillas is human expansion into the forest areas for logging. This expansion has not only decreased habitat but has allowed easier access for commercial hunters and a faster spread of diseases.

Cenzoo was born on February 2, 1996, at the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens in Chicago, Illinois. In March of 2003, Cenzoo moved with father, Koundu, to Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida, and then transferred to the Birmingham Zoo on May 6, 2010, where he took up residence in his current exhibit in the Primate Building. Cenzoo is known to enjoy his food, with favorites including fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, fresh cut tree branches and alfalfa hay. Like most adult gorillas, Cenzoo spends a good amount of time resting but he also enjoys other activities such as observing the activities of the train behind the Primate Building, using tools, and engaging in training sessions with his zookeepers. Cenzoo does not like the rain or getting mud on his feet and has been known to put wood wool or hay down to cover mud so he does not have to get his feet wet. Cenzoo will be missed by his entire Zoo family. The Birmingham Zoo is excited for Cenzoo to join other gorillas at the Riverbanks Zoo.

Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under twoyears-old receive free admission.

Press Release