For the first time in more than 30 years, gorillas are back at San Antonio Zoo. On Wednesday, three female western lowland gorillas, Andi, Merry and Anaka, arrived from Zoo Atlanta to take up residence in the zoo's newest showcase habitat, Congo Falls. The two-acre exhibit is scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 13, complete with a ribbon-cutting and an evening drone show.
In a news release, San Antonio Zoo said the transfer is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Gorilla Species Survival Plan, and the trio will eventually be part of a planned troop at Congo Falls, according to San Antonio Zoo. Zoo leaders framed the move as a coordinated effort with other AZA-accredited institutions to support genetics, animal welfare and long-term conservation. The arrivals were also covered by local media, including the San Antonio Express-News.
From Atlanta To San Antonio
Andi, Merry and Anaka were all born and raised at Zoo Atlanta and are starting life in Texas with a careful settling-in period. They will first be introduced to one another and to their new surroundings under close supervision from animal care teams. Zoo Atlanta officials called the move "a wonderful and impactful example of a multi-organizational collaboration," as reported by KSAT. Keepers say they will track social dynamics and adjust how and when the gorillas meet and explore the habitat, with the animals' comfort and health setting the pace.
What Congo Falls Will Look Like
According to San Antonio Zoo, Congo Falls includes three distinct gorilla areas, a large pool capped by a 30-foot waterfall and the 70-foot Mays Family Silverback Peak observation tower that offers 360-degree views for guests and climbing and vantage points for the gorillas. The layout features overhead walkways and viewing windows that bring visitors close to the animals at different elevations. Zoo officials say the habitat is built to weave together enrichment, scientific research and public education.
Zola's Death And The Transfer Timeline
The original plan called for a silverback from Dallas Zoo, named Zola, to join the new troop in San Antonio. That changed when Dallas Zoo representatives reported that Zola died on Nov. 5 before the transfer could take place, and that hospital and veterinary teams performed a necropsy to determine the cause of death, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Despite the setback, zoo officials have said Congo Falls will still open on schedule, and that any additional transfers will move forward only when animal welfare, veterinary evaluations and logistics all line up. Staff members have emphasized that the gorillas' health and social stability will guide every future move.
Opening Day And Visitor Info
The grand opening of Congo Falls is planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a nighttime drone show. The celebration is included with regular admission and free for members, according to MySanAntonio. Zoo officials are preparing crowd-management plans for the holiday weekend to help keep things calm around the new residents, and say they will use enhanced viewing windows and timed entries as needed. Visitors are encouraged to check current ticketing and membership information before heading to the zoo.
Conservation At The Center
Zoo leaders say Congo Falls is built to advance the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan through carefully managed animal transfers, breeding efforts and education that underscores the threats wild gorillas face, including habitat loss and mining that supports the electronics supply chain, as local reporting has noted. The exhibit is also part of the zoo's broader Generation Zoo fundraising campaign and its partnerships that aim to support long-term care for the animals and conservation programs beyond San Antonio. Staff members say they hope the high-profile habitat will deepen local engagement with conservation while maintaining strong standards of animal welfare.
