Louisville Zoo says farewell to gorilla leaving for San Francisco Zoo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People said goodbye to a gorilla at the Louisville Zoo who has been there for decades.

Cecil will be moving to the San Francisco Zoo after spending more than 20 years at the Louisville Zoo. The 27-year-old lowland gorilla was identified as a candidate by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan for the eventual leadership of his own family group.

A celebration was held for Cecil at the zoo Saturday. People could sign a card with well wishes for the gorilla's new adventure in San Francisco. The event included docent interpretation with biofacts and a keeper talk.

"We heard a gorilla was a leaving and coming to San Francisco and that is Cecil, so we wanted to makes sure we caught him," said Melanie Miller, a Louisville Zoo visitor.

Cecil will live at the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at the San Francisco Zoo. Three female gorillas will be gradually introduced to Cecil over several months to create social bonds before breeding is considered.

To learn more about the Louisville Zoo, click here.

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Louisville Zoo says farewell to gorilla leaving for San Francisco Zoo