From Toronto With Love: New Gorilla ‘Johari’ Joins Calgary’s Troop

02 JULY 2025 (Calgary, AB) – A milestone move for gorilla conservation took place at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo last week with the arrival of ‘Johari’, a 24-year-old female western lowland gorilla from the Toronto Zoo. She was recommended to join the Calgary troop under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a potential breeding partner for silverback ‘Jasiri’. This hopeful pairing brings the potential for something very special—the opportunity for Johari to become a mom. This is not only significant for her wellbeing, but also an exciting next chapter for the Calgary troop—and for the conservation of western lowland gorillas, a species classified as Critically Endangered in the wild. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome ‘Johari’ to our troop”, said Colleen Baird, Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare. “She brings a charismatic personality and playful spirit that will be a wonderful addition—especially alongside ‘Dossi’, as they both share an endearing habit of accessorizing with enrichment items. Johari has been loved and cared for by the Toronto Zoo and its community for nearly a quarter century, and we’re honored to now carry on that role here in Calgary.” 

Animal transfers like Johari’s require extensive collaboration and careful planning between accredited zoos. Teams from the Toronto Zoo and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo worked closely together on travel logistics and permitting, while Johari’s dedicated care team in Toronto ensured she was well-prepared with pre-travel health checks and training to help minimize stress. To support continuity in care, a member of Calgary’s Animal Care, Health & Welfare team spent time in Toronto ahead of the move, shadowing their gorilla team and beginning to build a relationship with Johari. A trusted member of Johari’s Toronto care team also accompanied her on her journey west, ensuring her welfare and wellbeing were supported every step of the way.

Now safely in Calgary, Johari will spend the coming weeks behind the scenes in quarantine in the African Rainforest building, adjusting to her new home while building trust with her dedicated care team. Her introduction to the troop will be gradual, supporting the most positive outcomes for both Johari and for the rest of the troop. 

This isn’t the first time a gorilla has made the journey from Toronto to Calgary. Calgary’s 28-year-old western lowland gorilla, ‘Zuri’, arrived from the Toronto Zoo in 2001 and later gave birth to her daughter, ‘Yewande’, in 2008. Since then, the family line has continued to grow, with Yewande’s son, ‘Okabe’, born in 2023. With this wealth of experience, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Animal Care, Health & Welfare team is well-prepared to guide this next chapter for Calgary’s gorilla troop. 

Johari’s arrival follows a period of reflection and strengthened commitment to animal welfare at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo after the tragic loss of western lowland gorilla, ‘Eyare’ in 2024. In the time since, the zoo has completed a full review of its practices and implemented significant changes to ensure enhanced safety and animal wellbeing practices. 

“We will never forget Eyare, and we owe it to her and to all the animals in our care to uphold the very highest standards of welfare,” said Baird. “Welcoming Johari represents not only a new chapter for our troop but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to conservation, animal care, and transparency with our community.” 

Johari will not be visible to the public for some time as she settles into her new home. Visitors are encouraged to follow the zoo’s social media channels for updates on her progress, future introductions, and all the latest troop news.  

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For more information contact:
Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com 

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.