Bachelor Party
All-male “bachelor troops” play a critical role in the development of young male gorillas. In the wild, teenage males leave their birth families and join a bachelor troop until they are old enough to establish a family troop of their own. Nzinga and Bangori had reached that developmental phase with their previous troop and needed to be on their own. They are not ready to be troop leaders yet, but will be in the next five to ten years.
Our Crew
Sponsor Us!
Bangori
- Born February 18, 2004 at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas
- Shares the same parents as Nzinga
- Is named (ban-GORE-ee) for a stream in Central Africa
- Very vocal and “rumbles” when he is content
- Is “laid back” and doesn’t mind strangers
Nzinga
- Born May 22, 1998 at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas
- Name (in-ZING-gah) comes from a 16th-century king of the Congo who fought against slavery
- Is older and the dominant of the two brothers
- Gives keepers impatient grumbles in the mornings, otherwise, he’s a “strong silent type”
- Likes to climb the trees and look for any little bit of new growth that he can find
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List notes that the Western lowland gorilla is Critically Endangered, and cites two major drivers of their rapid decline: poaching and habitat loss.
You can help! By recycling your cell phones and other small electronics in our ECO-CELL drop box, you reduce the need for minerals like coltan that are mined in and around gorilla habitat. This helps protect gorillas and their environment, and funds important research.
-min2dff.jpg)
Species Survival Plans
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the 220+ accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperatively managed program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 200 different species are managed through SSPs, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity within AZA populations, sustaining these populations, and guarding against extinction.
Wildlife Experiences
Meet the Animals
Have you always wanted to get just a little bit closer to the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Well, you can! Take a look at our animal encounters, and choose the best option for you and/or your family.