A New Gorilla Family Arrive at the Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) have announced the arrival of a new troop of western lowland gorillas which have taken up residence in the Detroit Zoo’s Great Apes of Harambee habitat. Detroit had been without gorillas since their last troop were moved to another zoo in July 2023.

Three of the gorillas previously lived together as an established troop at the Cincinnati Zoo. Mshindi, Tulivu and Bandia called the zoo home since 2019. The fourth is a female, Nayembi who come from the Lincoln Park Zoo.

These four gorillas have been moved to Detroit as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP). Zoos participating in this program work together to ensure the sustainability of healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied populations of animals in human care.

Mshindi is the group’s male. This silverback, whose name means “winner” in Swahili, was born Oct. 17, 1987. He is joined by females Tulivu, meaning “quiet” in Swahili, born May 2, 2004; Bandia, meaning “homemade doll or image” in Swahili, born Sept. 13, 1997; and Nayembi, meaning “to sing” in the Lingala language, born Nov. 16, 2012.

“The four new gorillas are already making themselves at home, and they are wonderful additions to the Detroit Zoo,” said Tami Brightrall, associate curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society. “They each have unique personalities, and we can’t wait for our members and guests to get to know them.”

Detroit Zoo was formerly home to an all male bachelor group of gorillas made up of three members, Chipua, Kongo-Mbeli and Pendeka, who were half-brothers. The brothers have moved to Cincinnati as part of the SSP program.

Following their departure the zoo took the opportunity to improve the Great Apes of Harambee habitat. Enhancements to the habitat have created a safe and enriching environment – contributing to the gorillas’ overall well-being and supporting the Zoo’s mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.