WICHITA, Kansas (KWCH) – The Sedgwick County Zoo announced a new face (for Wichita) at Downing Gorilla Forest Thursday afternoon. 42-year-old Matadi has a new home in Wichita after arriving from ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In a post on its Facebook page, the Sedgwick County Zoo described Matadi as “a wise and wonderful 42-year-old western lowland gorilla” who will soon join a pair of gorillas – a male and Kivu, a 45-year-old female – to form a “senior group.”
“In her previous home in Albuquerque, Matadi was known for her protectiveness and excellent mothering instincts. She ruled her family group with respect and was a fantastic mentor to younger gorillas,” the Sedgwick County Zoo said. “Her legendary passion for food and enrichment made her a joy to watch, and she often collected the largest piles of food she could manage. She was a patient and forgiving teacher to new keepers, as long as treats kept coming.”
The zoo said Matadi is adjusting well and learning her new surroundings.
“Once fully integrated, we (at the Sedgwick County Zoo) will have three distinct groups: a bachelor group, a family group and our special ‘senior group,'” the zoo said.
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