San Diego Zoo Safari Park Added New Silverback Gorilla
The park welcomed 33-year-old Matumaini to lead its troop following the death of its previous silverback in May.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wildlife
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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park received a new silverback, Matumaini, on August 20, 2026, to join its troop of five female gorillas. This move follows the loss of the previous silverback, Paul Donn, who died from an acute bacterial infection on May 15.
Why it matters
The introduction of a new silverback is essential for maintaining natural social structures within captive gorilla troops. These transfers are coordinated to ensure the health and stability of the group after the loss of a leader.
Matumaini, a 33-year-old silverback, arrived from the Sedgwick County Zoo to lead a troop of five female gorillas at the Safari Park. Meanwhile, a 6-year-old gorilla named Kitoko arrived at the San Diego Zoo on September 2, 2026, from the Woodland Park Zoo.
The players
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
A professional organization that manages the Gorilla Species Survival Plan to oversee the health and genetic diversity of apes in U.S. zoos.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
A large-scale wildlife facility in San Diego that maintains naturalistic habitats for diverse animal species and operates major breeding and conservation programs.
The details
To integrate the new silverback into the existing troop, staff placed the animals in close proximity to allow for initial auditory and olfactory contact before direct interaction. This management approach helps ensure social stability for the female group. These transfers are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to support genetic diversity and healthy social groupings among managed ape populations.
Timeline
May 15, 2026: Silverback Paul Donn died from a bacterial infection.
August 20, 2026: Matumaini arrived at the Safari Park.
September 2, 2026: Kitoko arrived at the San Diego Zoo.
The Home Front
Managed species programs like the Gorilla Species Survival Plan ensure that institutions maintain sustainable populations through coordinated inter-zoo transfers. This systematic approach mirrors how modern wildlife conservation prioritizes long-term social and genetic health over temporary individual arrivals.
Visitors planning a trip to the park can observe the new silverback as he integrates into the existing troop. Check the zoo's official visitor notices or website for any updates on exhibit viewing hours during the adjustment period.
The takeaway
Maintaining stable social groups is a priority for the long-term health of captive gorilla populations. Visitors can support these conservation efforts by following posted guidelines and quiet-viewing rules when visiting animal exhibits.
Further reading
Learn more about local animal conservation efforts at the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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