Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications Kwame continues to be a steady, confident leader for his family group. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo It's been a beat since we've checked in with Kwame and his western lowland gorilla family. Most of you already know that Kitoko—son of Kwame and Uzumma—moved on to his next big adventure a few months ago. We're happy to report that the nearly 7 year old has landed in the most perfect spot for this time in his development—the amazing San Diego Zoo. He is settling into a bachelor group there—a normal and very important stage of life for male gorillas in the wild and in human care. This is where Kitoko will learn to navigate gorilla “society” before eventually maturing into an impressive silverback (like his father) who may be able to lead his own group of females and start a family. Of course we miss Kitoko, but we're heartened to know he is exactly where he belongs, doing great (being spoiled by the San Diego Zoo...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications Poppy, a Matschie's tree kangaroo at Woodland Park Zoo, is recovering from amputation surgery performed last week in response to a bacterial infection. After observing the rapidly-spreading bacteria during a CT scan, a team of animal health experts removed Poppy’s right arm. Poppy in October 2026, prior to surgery. Photo by Lindsay Phillips/Woodland Park Zoo. The female marsupial will turn 3 next month and arrived at the zoo in June under a recommendation by the Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan. It is unknown when or how Poppy originally contracted the bacteria, but it is not contagious and no other animals or humans are at risk of contracting it from her. She lives in a habitat that is not viewable to zoo guests and is recovering in an off-view space where her animal care team can observe her closely and shower her with lots of extra love. Tree kangaroos are arboreal marsupials that spend nearly their entire lives in trees and are equippe...