Birmingham Zoo’s last gorilla, who left in 2015, euthanized after illness

For those who frequented the Birmingham Zoo over the last decade, the name Cenzoo likely rings a bell. As the last western lowland gorilla to call Birmingham home, he left a lasting impression on the community before his departure nearly a decade ago.

A Legacy Remembered

Cenzoo, who left in 2015 to join a breeding program at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, has passed away at the age of 30. Riverbanks Zoo officials confirmed the loss on June 15, noting that the beloved silverback was euthanized following a recent decline in his health.

"Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is deeply saddened to announce the loss of Cenzoo, the beloved western lowland gorilla," the zoo shared via social media.

Life at the Birmingham Zoo

Cenzoo was a staple at the Birmingham Zoo from 2010 to 2015. He arrived alongside his father, Koundu, with both apes weighing between 300 and 400 pounds at the time. Following Koundu’s unexpected death in 2011 due to an aortic aneurysm, Cenzoo remained a primary draw for visitors. While the Birmingham Zoo continues to house other primates like orangutans, it has not featured a gorilla since Cenzoo's move to South Carolina.

A Final Evaluation

According to Riverbanks staff, caretakers noticed concerning changes in Cenzoo's behavior, appetite, and activity levels over the past several months. A comprehensive veterinary evaluation, which included a CT scan, revealed fluid in his abdomen and a mass near his colon. These findings indicated a severe condition with limited options for recovery, leading medical specialists to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.

A Lasting Impact

Born at the Lincoln Park Zoo in 1996, Cenzoo spent time at several accredited facilities, including the Denver Zoo and Busch Gardens, before his tenure in Birmingham and his final years at Riverbanks. He leaves behind two sons, ZaKota and Moyo, who have moved on to a bachelor troop at the Dallas Zoo.

Caretakers at Riverbanks remembered him as a patient, confident leader and a protective father. Whether he was keeping his family safe from perceived threats—such as bugs or Christmas lights—or keeping his keepers on their toes with his signature "side-eye," Cenzoo was a distinctive personality who left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to work with him.