By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Zoo said good bye to one of its female Gorilla. Kwizera is one of the Zoo's four female gorillas. But the Zoo has found a new home for her in Memphis.
The 21-year-old western lowland gorilla left the Buffalo Zoo early Friday morning. She was transferred to Memphis Zoo on a breeding loan program. The Buffalo Zoo says the first time the Memphis Zoo has partnered with another zoo on a gorilla breeding loan in more than 30 years.
The gorilla was accompanied by Buffalo Zoo veterinarian Dr. Kurt Volle, as well as a Memphis Zoo primate keeper. Kwizera was safely received at the Memphis Zoo where she is reported to be doing well.
Kwizera will be off exhibit for approximately one month and then will be introduced to the Memphis Zoo's two female gorillas. Once they have established a strong bond, the group will also be integrated with the male, Mwelu.
It is hoped that Kwizera and Mwelu will produce offspring to help secure this endangered species' future. Her daughter Sidney remains at the Buffalo Zoo.