A zoo on the NSW South Coast bade farewell to silverback gorilla Kibabu on Sunday.
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In a Facebook post, Mogo Zoo owner Sally Padey said the 41-year-old gorilla had a “powerful presence” and “integrity as a leader and father”.
Kibabu was born in 1977, and arrived at Mogo from Taronga Zoo on August 20, 2013.
He came with an entourage – girlfriends Mouila and Kriba, and their offspring Mahali and Kipenzi.
At the time, Kibabu had fathered 14 offspring, and Ms Padey said she was: “honoured to be able to house and care for these amazing animals and play an active role in the Global Species Management Plan”.
The western lowland gorilla troupe settled in quickly, and the zoo’s general manager John Appleby said Kibabu was instrumental in easing the transition.
“Kibabu is displaying all of the signs of a great leader, reassuring the rest of the troupe as they explore their new surroundings," Mr Appleby said.
On Thursday, May 22, Kibabu celebrated his 40th birthday.
The zoo hosted a big birthday bash for Kibabu on May 25, with a special keeper presentation, followed by cake.
Ms Padey said sharing the past five years with Kibabu was “an honour”.