Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Tough day for the zoo, two iconic older residents passing in a single day they were two of my favorites.
San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Kudu21
- Start date
As far as I am aware, only one of them has an official name (0.1 "Makeda" born 15 Mar 2011). The others are just known by their physical identifiers (ear notches, tags, etc.)
Haybale
Well-Known Member
Isoke is out with Homer and Kumbe since Sunday 8/17/25!!
Each species has their own inside area, and share the outside area!!
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
It was mentioned on July 31st.
We lost our Maka. From the San Diego Zoo Facebook page
In what stands as one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance family, we share with deep sorrow the passing of Maka, an inimitable 30-year-old Western lowland gorilla, who left us this week surrounded by the wildlife care team who knew and loved him deeply.
When he was 5 years old, Maka was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, but thrived under the dedication and skill of his wildlife health and care teams, exceeding expectations and living with grace and vitality for decades. Recently, he began experiencing brief seizures, prompting our team to monitor his wellness closely and schedule ongoing comprehensive evaluations. During this week's exam, Maka unexpectedly experienced a cardiac event. Despite the heroic and sustained efforts of our wildlife health and care teams, we lost our gentle giant.
Born at the San Diego Zoo, Maka was truly the heart of our bachelor troop. He guided his younger brothers, Ekuba and Denny, with patience and steadiness, a small-but-mighty leader who naturally took on the role of mentor and earned their respect and devotion. His brothers were given the opportunity to spend time with Maka after his passing—a poignant moment that reminded us once again that connection and loss are universal languages we all share.
Each of the over 12,000 wildlife at the San Diego Zoo touches our lives in immeasurable ways, and this has been an unimaginably difficult period for our wildlife health and care teams, who forge profound bonds with each individual in their care. We ask for your continued support and understanding as they navigate the complex journey of grief while maintaining their unwavering commitment to all the wildlife under their stewardship.
Maka's legacy lives on through the conservation work he helped advance and the countless guests who came to understand the intelligence and gentleness of Western lowland gorillas through knowing him. His quiet leadership and enduring spirit will always be remembered.
In what stands as one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance family, we share with deep sorrow the passing of Maka, an inimitable 30-year-old Western lowland gorilla, who left us this week surrounded by the wildlife care team who knew and loved him deeply.
When he was 5 years old, Maka was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, but thrived under the dedication and skill of his wildlife health and care teams, exceeding expectations and living with grace and vitality for decades. Recently, he began experiencing brief seizures, prompting our team to monitor his wellness closely and schedule ongoing comprehensive evaluations. During this week's exam, Maka unexpectedly experienced a cardiac event. Despite the heroic and sustained efforts of our wildlife health and care teams, we lost our gentle giant.
Born at the San Diego Zoo, Maka was truly the heart of our bachelor troop. He guided his younger brothers, Ekuba and Denny, with patience and steadiness, a small-but-mighty leader who naturally took on the role of mentor and earned their respect and devotion. His brothers were given the opportunity to spend time with Maka after his passing—a poignant moment that reminded us once again that connection and loss are universal languages we all share.
Each of the over 12,000 wildlife at the San Diego Zoo touches our lives in immeasurable ways, and this has been an unimaginably difficult period for our wildlife health and care teams, who forge profound bonds with each individual in their care. We ask for your continued support and understanding as they navigate the complex journey of grief while maintaining their unwavering commitment to all the wildlife under their stewardship.
Maka's legacy lives on through the conservation work he helped advance and the countless guests who came to understand the intelligence and gentleness of Western lowland gorillas through knowing him. His quiet leadership and enduring spirit will always be remembered.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Pretty sad time at the zoo, a whole lot of announced deaths happening lately at the zoo, which rarely ever happens.
That was when they brought Maka back for Denny and Ekuba to see him.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Does the zoo plan to bring in another bachelor gorilla or two in since they are down to just two, I know their intention was to only keep a single bachelor troop, but now with only two gorillas remaining, do they plan for a larger bachelor troop?
Possibly. Bachelor groups are more effective dynamics wise with three or more males.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Thank you to everyone who voted to help name our teeny tot. Piquito (pee-KEE-toh) means "little point" in Spanish, absolutely fitting for this spunky little one and their collection of tiny, sharp quills. This curious adventurer is already showing their bold personality as they discovers the world around them. Keep an eye out for Piquito and mama Gracie in some of the many educational offerings around the Zoo. #prehensiletailedporcupine #piquito #sandiegozoo"
Haybale
Well-Known Member
He is part of Africa Rocks vs Gracie is part of Basecamp!!
They reintroduced the Tasmanian Devils Flotsam and Jetsam today. They were separated for travel and quarantine!! Super neat to see them cautiously approach each other before running and playing!!
Haybale
Well-Known Member
Came here to say that!!
Really good news. This is Subira's third calf, and hopefully her first daughter, and also dad Kapu's first.
The pair were introduced last Summer, so considering Okapi gestation is fifteen months, it appears it didn't take long for Subira to conceive!
I spent time with Okapi Subira and her new calf today. The baby was born yesterday 9/2/25 after Zoo closing. Her previous babies have all been born in (San Diego’s version of) winter and therefore in the heated barn and we weren’t able to see them for several weeks. But because of the warmer weather Subira gave birth out on habitat we are treated to early views of this baby! Mom was being very attentive and the baby looked quite alert and healthy and was finding his or her (but hopefully her) feet. As long as Subira is happy with the situation, the plan is to allow them to stay out on habitat. She looked quite comfortable today and she did go back into the barn so the wildlife care specialists could clean the habitat while the baby was tucked. I know that the news of the birth was already shared, but thought the extra information would be appreciated. I’ll include a photo of mom and baby. 
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In not so fantastic news, there may be change for zoo regarding parking. While there is still much to be finalized, there seems to be arrangement between SDZWA and the city in regards to lot East of the zoo known as “the zoo lot”. There could be fees implemented as early as October according to the article. Link is to article by NBC San Diego.
San Diego Zoo gets on board with paid parking for the ‘zoo lot’ – NBC 7 San Diego
San Diego Zoo gets on board with paid parking for the ‘zoo lot’ – NBC 7 San Diego
