A popular resident of the Buffalo Zoo has found a new home.

For frequent visitors of the Buffalo Zoo, it’s not uncommon to have a favorite animal you love to visit there. Lovers of the zoo may be disappointed to find out a beloved member of their animal family has moved, but they should be relieved to know it’s for a good reason that will help them thrive and live their best life.

History Of The Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo, located inside Delaware Park, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The history of this popular Western New York attraction dates back to 1870, when a pair of deer was presented to the city of Buffalo. Over the years, more animals were added to the city’s collection, including a flock of sheep, a pair of bison, and eight elk.

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Today, the Buffalo Zoo is home to more than 1,200 animals of a variety of different species, including birds, lions, and giraffes.

Popular Gorilla Has Moved Out Of Buffalo Zoo

Seven year old Kayin the gorilla, one of a few other western lowland gorillas housed in the Buffalo Zoo’s Gorilla House, has been relocated outside of Western New York to his new home at the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri. 

According to WIVB, Kayin was relocated due to a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

Why Is Kayin The Gorilla Leaving Buffalo?

The Buffalo Zoo told WIVB that the population of western lowland gorillas has declined by 60% in the past 25 years alone, thanks to factors like illegal poaching, disease, and habitat loss.

At his new home inside the St. Louis Zoo, Kayin will bunk with three male silverback gorillas, which according to the zoo is a common social group typically found in the wild.

Before the move, Kayin was sharing the Gorilla House with his mom and dad, aunt, and half-sister.

Other Gorillas That Have Moved From Buffalo Zoo

This isn’t the first time one of the Buffalo Zoo’s gorillas has left Western New York. Back in 2020, a 10-year-old female gorilla named Amari was relocated to Atlanta.

Buffalo Gorillas In The News

This isn't the first time a gorilla housed at the Buffalo Zoo has been in the news. Back in 2012, a 400 pound silverback gorilla made headlines when he escaped from his enclosure, biting a zookeeper and causing the zoo to go on lockdown.

Thankfully, the gorilla was apprehended and safely brought back home.

We’ll miss you, Kayin, but we hope you’re happy at your new home in Missouri!

Baby Animals Born At The Buffalo Zoo

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