For Immediate Release: February 9, 2026
Come Say Farewell to Riverbanks' Brothers
Columbia, SC, February 9, 2026 — Two of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s young gorillas, Moyo and ZaKota, are preparing for a big move. Born at Riverbanks in 2018, the pair will relocate to Dallas Zoo in March as part of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Breeding and Transfer Plan. The program coordinates animal placements among accredited institutions to support healthy, genetically diverse, and sustainable populations.
Moyo and ZaKota were the first successful gorilla births in the Zoo’s history, and their move is the result of more than eight years of hands-on work by animal care and veterinary staff, who have supported them every step of the way, from birth to this next chapter. Their relocation will now allow them to play a role in the broader western lowland gorilla population.
Their family will remain at Riverbanks. First-time mothers Kazi and Macy, “aunt” Acacia, and their father Cenzoo will continue to anchor the troop as part of ongoing SSP work.
“Being part of Moyo and ZaKota’s story from such a young age and now helping them get ready for this move is incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Ryan Jones, Gorilla and Small Mammal Supervisor. “We are proud of the care and commitment that has gone into raising them and of the foundation that will help them thrive and contribute to the future of their species.”
What happens next for Moyo and ZaKota also reflects what occurs in the wild. As male gorillas mature, they leave the family group in which they were born and join bachelor troops with other males. In Dallas, they will join two other young gorillas in a bachelor group, with space to grow socially and physically in a way that reflects natural gorilla behavior.
Preparing them for that move has taken years of work behind the scenes. Once they were old enough to eat solid food, keepers began teaching them to take part in their own care, presenting their hands, feet, mouths, and other body parts on cue so staff could check them safely. Over the last two years, training has focused more on the move itself: spending time in their transfer crate, practicing behaviors they will need for travel, and becoming more independent from their mothers, so the transition will be as smooth as possible.
“When they leave, Moyo and ZaKota will each know more than 30 trained behaviors that help them participate in their own medical care,” Jones said. “It is the result of years of careful work by their keepers and means their new care team will be able to build on well-established training and trust.”
Looking ahead, Riverbanks plans to stay active in gorilla conservation.
“We would love to see more gorilla youngsters here someday,” Jones added. “Kazi, Macy and Cenzoo have been excellent parents, and if the SSP recommends it, we would be excited to contribute again in the future.”
Guests are encouraged to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in the coming weeks to wish the brothers farewell before they begin their new adventure in Texas. For Zoo updates, visit riverbanks.org.
| ZaKota and Moyo through the Years |
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About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.