WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — While visitors are enjoying the antics of Sedgwick County Zoo’s two new baby black bears , there is another addition to the zoo that deserves a visit – another gorilla in the Downing Gorilla Forest.
Matadi is new to Sedgwick County Zoo, but she is not new. She is a “wise and wonderful” 42-year-old Western lowland gorilla. She’ll join Kivu and a male to form a “senior” group.
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Matadi is the newest gorilla to join the Sedgwick County Zoo. (Photo Courtesy Sedgwick County Zoo) -
Matadi is the newest gorilla to join the Sedgwick County Zoo. (Photo Courtesy Sedgwick County Zoo) -
Matadi is the newest gorilla to join the Sedgwick County Zoo. (Photo Courtesy Sedgwick County Zoo)
Matadi came to Wichita from the ABQ (Albuquerque) BioPark, where she was known for her protectiveness and maternal instincts. She mentored the younger gorillas and was patient with new zookeepers as long they kept bringing treats.
“Her legendary passion for food and enrichment made her a joy to watch, often gathering the biggest piles of food she could manage,” zookeepers said.