Two new personalities begin an exciting chapter at Gorilla Forest
There are two new faces at Gorilla Forest, and we are thrilled to finally introduce them to you.
Kamba and Nora, female western lowland gorillas who recently arrived from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, are making their public debut at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Beginning today, they will have access to the outdoor yard at Gorilla Forest, giving visitors their first opportunity to meet them.
As always, the choice to venture outside belongs to the gorillas. Kamba and Nora may explore the yard, remain indoors or move between spaces throughout the day. A sighting is never guaranteed, but that freedom of choice is an important part of their care.
Kamba on the left and Nora on the right
Meet Kamba
At 21 years old, Kamba is known for her calm, laid-back personality. She was born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and grew up as part of its multigenerational gorilla family.
Kamba’s relaxed nature offers a nice contrast to her younger companion, Nora. As she settles into life at Como, her care team continues to learn more about her preferences, routines and the individual personality that made her so beloved in Chicago.
Meet Nora
Nora is 12 years old and was also born and raised at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. She is bold, confident and full of personality. One of her most recognizable features is her distinctive heart-shaped nose.
Nora is entering a new stage in her social development, making this an important and exciting time for her. Her confidence and strong personality are already helping Como’s animal care team get to know what makes her unique.
A New Chapter at Gorilla Forest
For now, Kamba and Nora will have access to the outdoor yard as a pair, separate from Como’s established family troop. That troop includes Schroeder, the adult silverback, and females Nne (pronounced ee-knee) and Arlene.
Kamba and Nora have had individual introductions with members of the family troop behind the scenes, but bringing everyone together as a full group will take more time. There is no set date or predetermined schedule for that next step.
“This is an exciting milestone for Kamba and Nora, but they are still in charge of the pace,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “They have been settling in, building relationships with their care team and becoming familiar with their new surroundings. We will continue watching their behavior closely and following their cues as they take each new step.”
Introductions at Their Pace
Gorillas have complex personalities and social relationships. Introducing them is a thoughtful, gradual process that can move forward, pause or change depending on how each gorilla responds.
Como’s zookeepers will continue to closely observe their behavior and follow the cues of all six gorillas. Some may be ready for additional interaction sooner than others. The goal is not to meet a deadline, but to build comfortable and positive relationships at a pace determined by the gorillas themselves.
This means visitors may see different gorillas in the outdoor yard at different times as the introduction process continues.
Working Together for Gorilla Conservation
Kamba and Nora’s move to Como was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan. This cooperative program helps accredited zoos maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations and create appropriate social groupings for gorillas in human care.
Western lowland gorillas are classified as Critically Endangered. Habitat loss, poaching and disease continue to threaten populations in the wild. By meeting Kamba, Nora and the rest of Como’s gorillas, visitors have an opportunity to learn about their intelligence, complex social lives and the importance of protecting their wild counterparts.
“Our visitors have shared many meaningful connections with Como’s gorillas over the years, and we are thrilled to introduce them to Kamba and Nora,” said Erica Prosser, director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Their arrival begins an exciting new chapter for Gorilla Forest and gives us another opportunity to inspire people to learn about and care for this critically endangered species.”
Come Welcome Kamba and Nora
We are excited for our visitors to get to know Kamba’s calm, easygoing nature and Nora’s bold personality in the weeks and months ahead. Like every relationship, becoming part of a new gorilla family takes time, and we look forward to sharing their journey with you.
Stop by Gorilla Forest and help us give Kamba and Nora a warm Como welcome.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open every day, and admission is always free. Donations help make exceptional animal care, conservation and education possible.
***Top four photos please credit Brookfield Zoo Chicago
***Video and two bottom photos credit Como Zoo
