Brothers Nzinga (pronounced in-ZING-gah) and Bangori (ban-GORE-ee) have completed their 30 day required quarantine period and are now on view intermittently, between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Santa Barbara Zoo. 

Born and raised at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, these new Western lowland gorilla brothers share parents and are adapting to their new home and keepers. The brothers have reached the age where it was time to leave the family as a bachelor group until they are ready to lead families of their own in the next five to ten years. Nzinga is 18 and Bangori is 12.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is among several zoos that have bachelor troops in a "Foster Feeder" program. Consider helping the Zoo with a Foster Feeder sponsorship; a $50 donation helps with the cost of feeding the gorillas. New gorilla Foster Feeders receive a plush gorilla (while supplies last) along with a certificate, fact sheet and recognition. Visit www.sbzoo.org/donate and choose Sponsor an Animal.

Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species. Main threats stem from human-disease transmission, poaching and habitat loss. There are currently 353 Western lowland gorillas who reside in 51 Association of Zoo & Aquarium institutions throughout North America.

The Western lowland gorilla species is also known by the quite interesting scientific name, Gorilla gorilla gorilla. Did hear an echo?

Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo website at www.sbzoo.org.