World Gorilla Day: Growing Through Loss, Celebrating What’s Ahead

This Wednesday, September 24, we join the global community in celebrating World Gorilla Day — a day dedicated to honouring gorillas and empowering people everywhere to take action for their conservation.

Established in 2017 by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, World Gorilla Day serves as a rallying point to strengthen appreciation and protection for these remarkable great apes.

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, World Gorilla Day is more than a celebration — it’s also a moment of reflection.

Honouring ‘Eyare’ and Learning From Loss

The passing of juvenile western lowland gorilla, ‘Eyare’, last year was a profound loss for our troop, our staff and volunteers, and our community — one that will not be forgotten. We remain deeply grateful for the compassion and dedication shown by our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team and for the outpouring of support we received from our community. Eyare’s legacy continues to inspire us to strengthen care, grow as an organization, and honour the incredible responsibility of protecting gorillas.

Our Commitment to Care and Conservation

In the months that followed, we’ve committed to learning and growing. By taking an honest look at our practices, listening closely to staff expertise, and strengthening our systems, we are building a stronger foundation for the troop’s future.

This commitment to transparency and growth is at the heart of our work: ensuring exceptional care for our troop here at the zoo, while also engaging our community in actions that support gorillas in the wild.

From raising awareness about gorilla conservation to programs like Gorillas on the Line (a cell phone recycling program created by Gorilla SAFE) to supporting a conservation initiative for the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, we’re proud to connect local action to global impact.

Gorilla Care & Safety Updates

In the spirit of transparency, we’d like to share an update on the preventative measures we have taken since Eyare’s passing. These actions reflect the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of our staff across teams.

Completed Actions

• Gorilla Team Shifting Protocols – The gorilla team now has the option to have two trained staff members present during gorilla shifting. While not mandatory, this ensures staff feel supported and comfortable while maintaining established routines. Two gorilla-trained team members are also now present during morning routines to support animal behavior training sessions.

•  Hydraulic Slide Safety – Four pairs of hydraulic slide controls were identified as needing clearer identification. A mandatory procedure has been implemented to secure these levers with linchpins, rendering them inoperable until slide movement is required, enhancing staff safety.

• All animal care staff contributed to creating a zoo-wide list of potentially problematic hydraulic slides. This list is now being used to systematically evaluate and address risks.

• Work orders were submitted for minor adjustments across the zoo, including improved mirrors, better lighting, and enhanced labeling. For gorillas specifically, specially ordered mirrors have already been installed on two hydraulic slides, and labeling improvements are complete.

• Slide Design Evaluation – The Animal Care Management team provided contacts to the Facilities team to research alternative slide designs used for great apes. Facilities is evaluating which designs can be retrofitted into existing spaces.

• Human Factors Consultation – A Human Factors Consultant assessed the gorilla back holding area in February 2025. Recommendations were received last week and are now under review for implementation.

• Slide Risk Matrix – A zoo-wide slide risk matrix has been developed to assess and prioritize potential changes to animal slides. Animal Care Managers have completed the initial assessments within their zones, with validation of results underway to ensure consistency and accuracy.

• Staff Training Program – The Animal Care Management team consulted with other institutions on existing recertification tests for animal shifting procedures. These materials are being reviewed to develop a tailored staff training program for our facility.

• Cross-Training and Staffing Protocols – Cross-training has begun to implement staffing and animal management protocols requiring two gorilla staff members to be present and working together at all times, with full implementation targeted for Q2 2025.

Measures Underway

• Improving Slide Systems – Safer and more efficient gorilla handling for both staff and gorillas.

• We gathered staff input and expert recommendations on how to simplify the hydraulic slide controls. Changes will make the system easier to use and safer, with clear indicators showing which slide will move. Contractors have assessed the hydraulics and lighting on-site. A detailed scope has been developed, and a capital project has been submitted to ensure these changes are reviewed and incorporated into planning for 2026.

• Staff Recertification Program – Keeps our team skilled, confident, and up-to-date on best practices.

• A new training and recertification program, informed by other leading zoos, is in development. This will help ensure our gorilla care team continues to meet the highest standards of safety and care.

• Facility Upgrades – Better visibility allows staff to monitor gorillas safely and effectively.

• The Facilities team is replacing slide #1 with a mesh version to improve sightlines. Additional upgrades will follow once ‘Johari’s’ introductions are complete.

• Enhanced Staffing Protocols – Ensures consistent supervision for gorilla safety and wellbeing.

• Since early 2025, two staff members have been present with the gorillas daily — and this important safety measure will continue.

• New Lock & Key System – Adds an extra safeguard to prevent accidental access and keep gorillas secure.

• Infrastructure for a two-lock, two-key system is now in place, adding another layer of security. Full implementation will follow Johari’s introductions.

These changes are already making a difference, and they reflect our team’s unwavering commitment to safety, care, and continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Hope

From honouring Eyare’s legacy through stronger care practices, to celebrating Johari’s thoughtful introductions, World Gorilla Day reminds us how deeply connected our local and global efforts are.

Most of all, it reminds us that caring for gorillas is a shared journey — shaped by the dedication and expertise of those who care for them every day, and by the support and engagement of our visitors and community. Every act of compassion, every visit, and every story shared strengthens this connection and helps build a future where people and wildlife thrive, together.

Learn how you can get involved and support gorilla conservation here.