By 1808Delaware
The morning JJ and Kamoli left Columbus wasn’t marked by ceremony. It was more like the start of a school year abroad: crates prepared the night before, familiar handlers nearby, and a sense that this was the right moment to let two young gorillas stretch into the next phase of their lives.
JJ, 9, and Kamoli, 12, are now settling into the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha after a carefully managed trip west. The move wasn’t delegated or rushed. A curator, assistant curator, Congo Expedition keeper, member of the zoo’s maintenance team, and a staff veterinarian traveled with them to make sure every hour of the journey went smoothly.
Why They’re Heading West
Columbus is renovating its off-view gorilla facility over the coming months, and the timing lined up with JJ and Kamoli’s development as members of a bachelor troop. Young males often spend time in all-male groups before becoming full silverbacks. It sounds like a wildlife coming-of-age story, but it’s standard practice in accredited zoos and mirrors what happens in the wild. When the work in Columbus wraps up about a year from now, the pair will return.
What Guests Will See in Omaha
Omaha’s zoo, also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will house JJ and Kamoli in their own space. They’ll go through a standard quarantine, and after that, visitors will be able to watch them in their temporary habitat. They won’t be introduced to the resident gorillas in Omaha, which is expected for bachelor males at this age.
What Stays the Same at Home
Back in Columbus, the two other gorilla family groups will continue to occupy the main gorilla building. Guests won’t notice much difference day-to-day, aside from a little extra anticipation for JJ and Kamoli’s return.
Looking Ahead to Their Homecoming
A year is long enough for young gorillas to grow noticeably, and when JJ and Kamoli come back, they’ll be a step closer to the leadership roles silverbacks eventually take on. Columbus Zoo staff say updates will come along the way, which should help fans follow their progress from Ohio to Nebraska and back again.
