FIRST THREE GORILLAS HAVE ARRIVED AT SAN ANTONIO ZOO

New collaboration introduces three female gorillas to Congo Falls at San Antonio Zoo, further strengthening the Species Survival Plan 

Three female gorillas, Andi, Merry, and Anaka, recently completed the move to San Antonio Zoo as part of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP) and for the much anticipated opening of Congo Falls. This collaboration marks an important milestone in both institutions’ shared commitment to the conservation of western lowland gorillas, and the return of gorillas to San Antonio Zoo for the first time in 35 years.  In total Congo Falls will open with 7 western lowland gorillas. 

San Antonio Zoo is honored to be participating in this impactful collaboration with Zoo Atlanta, which will bolster conservation efforts for critically endangered western lowland gorillas and support the opening of the zoo’s newest habitat, Congo Falls.  

Opening to the public on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10:00am San Antonio Zoo’s brand new Congo Falls is a world-class habitat, setting the stage for a transformative new era in innovative habitat design, wildlife conservation, education, and animal care.

At Congo Falls, guests will immerse themselves in a two-acre lush environment, featuring three distinct habitats (Lowland Basin, Indoor Rainforest, and Gorilla Gorge), which will be home to seven Western Lowland gorillas. The habitats will blend lush natural landscapes, dynamic water features, enrichment areas, and expansive viewing opportunities for both guests and gorillas to foster a deeper connection between guests and these incredible animals.  

Be among the first to visit Congo Falls! Learn more and purchase your tickets at www.sazoo.org  

“We are honored to partner with Zoo Atlanta, an institution that shares our deep commitment to caring for and protecting gorillas,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Welcoming Andi, Merry, and Anaka is incredibly special for our team and community. Each one brings her own personality and hopes for gorilla conservation. They will be in the best hands here, and we know they will inspire millions of guests to care about this incredible species as much as we do.” 

“Anaka, Andi, and Merry were born at Zoo Atlanta and have grown up here with us, so while we will miss them here in Atlanta, we are very excited for their new opportunity at Congo Falls, where they will have a chance to become part of a brand-new troop,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta. “This is a wonderful and impactful example of a multi-organizational collaboration within the Gorilla Species Survival Plan.” 

Congo Falls represents San Antonio Zoo’s deep commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) and SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction® programs—global initiatives uniting accredited zoos in the shared goal of protecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity. 

San Antonio Zoo partners with Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and the AZA Gorilla SAFE program. 

Through these programs, San Antonio Zoo collaborates with experts around the world to ensure genetically diverse, sustainable populations of endangered species, while also advancing education, field conservation, and animal care innovation.  

ABOUT SAN ANTONIO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 

San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.  

Website         www.sazoo.org  

ABOUT SAN ANTONIO ZOO  

San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Humane Certified by American Humane. 

ABOUT: About Zoo Atlanta 
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include a transformed African Savanna featuring expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostrich, warthogs, meerkats, and rhinos; one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include a newly updated African lion complex, opened in April 2025, and the state-of-the-art Rollins Animal Health Center, completed in 2024. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.  

(photos: Jodi C.)