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Animals Animals A-Z

Featured Animals – Western Lowland Gorilla

Discover “everything gorilla” around the Zoo below; from news to adoptions, births, conservation programs, your own encounter options, animal experiences, shows, events and more.

Gorilla Highlights

Baby Gorilla, Sully

Where Primate World

~ Born July 21, 2025 – There were hushed moments of pure joy at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, as a small group of Primate World keepers and staff gathered to adore the Zoo’s newest addition: a brand-new gorilla baby boy bundle of joy born in the early hours of Monday, July 21, 2025. Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, and her new baby seem to be doing well. Following Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, the baby was named after he was 30 days old. Watch Sully videos here. CMZoo will provide updates on social media channels and in newsletter updates.

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Everything Gorilla

Sully’s 1st Birthday Party

Tuesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

All ages. Join us in celebrating Western lowland gorilla baby Sully's 1st Birthday! Enjoy fun healthy activities and a photo booth sponsored by Children's Hospital, make a birthday card for Sully and learn all about gorillas. Advance tickets are required and limited, anytime rideshare tickets are always available.

Public and Media Invited to Gorilla’s First Birthday Party on Tues., July 21 at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

July 20, 2026

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO AND CMZOO PARTNER TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S COLORADO SPECIAL GUEST AND TURNING-ONE-YEAR-OLD GORILLA BABY, SULLY – On the green hills in Primate World, guests can often spot Western lowland gorilla baby, Sully, exploring alongside his family. As he approaches his first birthday, Sully is becoming more curious and confident every day, spending time . . .

It’s a Gorilla Birthday Party! Celebrate Sully on Tuesday, July 21

June 17, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – On the green hills in Primate World, guests can often spot Western lowland gorilla, Sully, exploring alongside his family. As he approaches his first birthday, Sully is becoming more curious and confident every day, spending time with his mom, Asha, his aunt, Kwisha, and his dad, Goma. Whether . . .

Sully’s 1st Birthday Party

WHEN: Tuesday, July 21 WHERE: Primate World WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon (outside gorilla viewing area!) Advance daytime admission to the Zoo is required and limited. Activities 10 a.m. – noon include: • Learn about gorillas from our amazing team of docents at booths. • Make a birthday card for Sully! • Visit Children’s Hospital’s . . .

Six Months with Western Lowland Gorilla, Sully!

January 16, 2026

We’re marking six months of Sully sweetness! Since his birth on July 21, 2025, Sully has been growing more curious, confident and lovable every day. In six months, Sully has reached several major milestones, including learning to balance while standing on Asha’s back, crawling independently near Asha, interacting with Goma and Kwisha, trying solid foods, . . .

Big News for Asha’s Baby — Say Hello to Sully!

October 15, 2025

Over the past few weeks, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members, social media fans and guests helped name Asha’s baby gorilla while fundraising for a new home for great apes at CMZoo. The votes are in – and this historic CMZoo baby has a name! Meet Sully! Primate World keepers chose three name options up for public . . .

Public Can Help Name Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Critically Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla Baby!

September 17, 2025

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is inviting guests to help name Asha’s gorilla baby while fundraising for the new Primate World! Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, gave birth to an adorable baby boy on Mon., July 21, 2025. It had been nearly 13 years since a gorilla was born at CMZoo. A $5 minimum . . .

Big News for Asha’s Baby — Say Hello to Sully!

Over the past few weeks, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members, social media fans and guests helped name Asha’s baby gorilla while fundraising for a new home for great apes at CMZoo. The votes are in – and this historic CMZoo baby has a name! Meet Sully! Primate World keepers chose three name options up for public . . .

Western Lowland Gorilla Baby Hits Exciting Milestones!

September 5, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – CMZoo’s year-round partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, has created a guide to first-year doctor visits for human babies. Similarly, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s primate keepers are tracking milestones for Asha’s baby gorilla’s first year of life. Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, welcomed a baby boy on July . . .

Critically Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla Goma’s Journey: From Bachelor to First-Time Father

September 5, 2025

Thirty-four-year-old Goma moved to CMZoo, in 2016, on a breeding recommendation from the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan, supported by Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organizations, including CMZoo. Goma joined a tightly bonded group of females after coming from a bachelor group, and with time, introductions, and strong social bonds, the troop became a . . .

Keeper Diaries: Goma Embraces Fatherhood with Curiosity and Respect

September 5, 2025

Written by Primate World Lead Keeper, Jon Wild – In Primate World, there is an abundance of excitement from members, guests and Zoo staff, as everyone hopes to catch a glimpse of 32-year-old Western lowland gorilla mom, Asha, and her one-month-old baby. You can see just how special it is for someone to see a . . .

Recycle Your Small Electronics and Cell Phones at CMZoo to Help Wild Gorillas

September 5, 2025

Wednesday, Sept. 26 is World Gorilla Day, and gorilla fans can make a difference for gorillas in the wild by taking small electronics to be recycled in Primate World at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “Many of the lowland forests and swamps that Western lowland gorillas call home are also sources of deposits of coltan, a mineral . . .

Take a Closer Look at Gorilla Nose Prints (Conservationists Do!)

September 5, 2025

Of the many gorilla aspects to observe and adore, it’s worth taking a minute to focus on their noses. Conservationists do the same for scientific purposes. “All of our gorillas have very different noses, so in addition to their other distinguishing features, we can identify them that way,” Ashton Asbury, Primate World animal keeper, says. . . .

Critically Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla Baby Born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

July 21, 2025

There were hushed moments of pure joy at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo this morning, as a small group of Primate World keepers and staff gathered to adore the Zoo’s newest addition: a brand-new gorilla baby bundle of joy born in the early hours of Mon., July 21, 2025. Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, . . .

Happy Mother’s Day: CMZoo Announces Gorilla, Asha, is Pregnant!

May 11, 2025

Mother’s Day is extra special in Primate World, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, this year. Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, is pregnant. She is due between mid-May and the end of July. “It has been nearly 13 years since a gorilla was born here, so many visitors will get to experience this for . . .

CMZoo Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of 48-Year-Old ‘Gorilla Icon’ Roxie

April 9, 2025

THE FEMALE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA WAS THE THIRD OLDEST IN THE U.S. WHEN SHE PASSED – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is remembering the long life of Roxie, a 48-year-old female Western lowland gorilla. Roxie was humanely euthanized, due to age-related decline, on Tues., April 8, surrounded by her animal care team. Roxie was an icon, as . . .

Care Team Monitors Elderly Gorilla, Roxie, Through Up and Down Days

November 25, 2024

Since mid-November, CMZoo’s typically social and outgoing 48-year-old Western lowland gorilla, Roxie, has had several ‘off’ days. She’s spending more time in bed and looking lethargic. “Roxie has been a big part of the CMZoo family since she was born here in 1976,” Joanna Husby, Primate World animal care manager says. “She’s lived at the . . .

A Loveable Ape with a Massive Skill Set – Goma and CMZoo Team Up with Local Veterinary Cardiologist to Gather Important Heart Health Data

February 29, 2024

A charcuterie board fit for a king sits in the human side of a gorilla den. Peanuts, grapes, bananas, primate biscuits and handmade peanut butter-and-oatmeal roll-ups are lined up next to a souvenir CMZoo cup of juice, ready to reward an impressive set of skills. The goodies are for the king of Primate World – . . .

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Remembers Juju, 43-Year-Old CMZoo Gorilla Icon

December 21, 2023

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is mourning the passing of a truly iconic animal: Juju, a 43-year-old female Western lowland gorilla. After a significant decline due to kidney disease and other age-related ailments, her care team made the compassionate decision to euthanize her today. A month ago, Juju underwent an immobilization and treatment to address a downturn . . .

43-Year-Old Gorilla, Juju, Adjusts to New Care Plan Following Kidney Disease Diagnosis

November 21, 2023

Juju, a 43-year-old female Western lowland gorilla, is adjusting to a new care plan after a health scare at the end of October 2023. She has experienced phases of discomfort that her team supported her through in the past. But, this time, she seemed to have less specifically-located pains and more general discomfort. After a . . .

CMZoo’s Shipping Container Farms Pioneer Zoo Produce (And The Gorillas Approve)

October 30, 2023

The harvest season looks a little different at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. In 2021, CMZoo acquired its first shipping container farm, followed by a second in 2022. Currently, only a handful of zoos are working with hydroponic farming systems, like these. Being on the cutting-edge of this technology allows the CMZoo horticulture team to gather valuable . . .

Primate World Celebrates Gorilla Milestone and Crosses Fingers for Baby Fever

March 28, 2023

After seven years of settling in, the Western lowland gorillas at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are officially a cohesive troop! 32-year-old Goma – the troop’s silverback – is living with the four females full-time, which means they’re ready to take the next step as a family. Goma came to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation in 2016. . . .

CMZoo Great Apes Participate in Voluntary Heart Health Care

March 2, 2022

February is Heart Month, and just like our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado encourage preventive and well-care visits, our great apes participate in ongoing maintenance and preventive care for their heart health. Go behind the scenes with Amy, senior keeper in Primate World, and her team as they ask Sumagu, Baka, and Goma to show . . .

World Gorilla Day and Cell Phone Recycling at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

September 24, 2021

Today is #WorldGorillaDay! Here to help us celebrate are Primate World keeper, Carrie, and our Western lowland gorilla troop: 29-year-old Kwisha, 45-year-old Roxie, 40-year-old Juju, 28-year-old Asha and our silverback, 30-year-old Goma. World Gorilla Day isn’t just about celebrating these incredible animals, but also about protecting them for years to come. Western lowland gorillas are . . .

Happy ‘Gorilla Grumbles’ Abound: Juju and the Troop Recover and Regroup

August 27, 2021

Last month, Juju, 40-year-old CMZoo female Western lowland gorilla, started showing her keepers she wasn’t feeling well. Juju, who is known for being confident and independent, was spending more time away from the group, being less energetic, and sitting uncomfortably. Juju is in her golden years, having surpassed the median life expectancy of 39 years . . .

Aging Gorilla ‘Golden Girls,’ Juju and Roxie, Deal with Health Issues and Stick Together

July 29, 2021

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to five Western lowland gorillas. Within the group, the gorillas have unique individual relationships, but Juju and Roxie, our eldest and closely-bonded longtime residents, are especially tight knit. They’ve both surpassed the 39-year median life expectancy for females of their species in human care, with Roxie at 44 and Juju . . .

Gorilla Troop Prepares for Winter Following Successful Summer of Socializations

November 26, 2020

Since Goma, our 29-year-old silverback Western lowland gorilla, came to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2016, Primate World keepers have worked to socialize him with the four female gorillas who live at the Zoo. Each of the ladies has her own personality, which means Goma – who came to CMZoo without much experience living in a . . .

New Babies

The pride and joy for all new parents, these newest members of the Zoo family make our hearts sing. Learn about new baby details, locations of babies for your visit and young animals to watch for!

Great Apes, Like Human Primates, Participate in Preventive Health Care for Seasonal Illness

February 26, 2020

Seasonal illnesses, like influenza, can wreak havoc on humans this time of year. But, did you know great apes, like orangutans and gorillas, are also susceptible to the flu virus, which impacts an estimated 3 million humans annually? As Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s year-round sponsor, Children’s Hospital Colorado, provides tips for staying healthy during flu season, . . .

Adopt Choices for Gorilla Baby

Support your favorites with digital, traditional, gift package, and group adoptions. Gifting any adopt choice is available by simply completing the gift area at checkout.

Roxie, 43-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla, Receives Long-term Hospice Care

December 26, 2019

In October, we told you about a recent health scare with Roxie, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s eldest Western lowland gorilla. Since then, CMZoo animal care and veterinary teams have been monitoring Roxie, and making decisions about the future of her care...

Gorilla Troop Integration Progress Continues Amid Health Scare

October 30, 2019

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Western lowland gorilla troop of five has been working to acclimate to a cohesive living situation since Goma, a 28-year-old silverback, joined CMZoo in May 2016. After years of introductions that have taken longer than keepers anticipated, the tentative success of this summer’s introductions was critical in deciding whether to continue making . . .

CMZoo Gorillas in the Midst of Forming Cohesive Troop

July 25, 2019

Since he arrived in May 2016, Goma, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 28-year-old silverback Western lowland gorilla, has been working to incorporate with the gorilla troop of four females, Juju, Roxie, Asha and Kwisha. With a focus on providing an environment which helps all of the gorillas feel safe and in control, keepers are beginning to see promising interactions.

Primate World

Enjoy the great apes face-to-face at indoor and outdoor glass viewing areas. Observe Western Lowland gorillas outdoors in a natural mountainside habitat, orangutans climbing in their playground showcasing the best view in town. Watch for the mesh training panel inside, where guests have an up-close opportunity to experience how keepers work with our orangutans and learn about important conservation work being done to save their wild counterparts.

Endangered Species at the Zoo

Are They in Danger of Extinction? Animals listed here may have a threatened or endangered conservation status with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Adopt an Animal

Foster any animal and you’ll help Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continue to provide outstanding care. Whether given as a gift or used to celebrate a favorite species, symbolic adoptions come with a variety of benefits only adoptive parents can enjoy. Ways to adopt your favorites: Digital Adoption – ($35) choose any Zoo animal from the full . . .

Way Beyond Watching

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