# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZ1VN9t-dS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/31190982-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ef558bae42.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-02T15:35:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Soon, we’ll be saying farewell to Johari, a 24-year-old western lowland gorilla, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter at another AZA-accredited facility 💚🦍 
 
Johari has received a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation, a match of significant genetic value for her critically endangered species. Western lowland gorillas face threats like habitat loss, poaching, and disease in the wild, and individuals like Johari serve as vital ambassadors for their wild counterparts. 
 
As an accredited facility, #YourTorontoZoo works closely with other facilities to ensure the animals in our care contribute to their larger populations. By working together, zoos are able to maximize the well-being of the individual animals in our care and maintain healthy, sustainable populations for the future. This paired commitment to individual well-being and survival of populations drives the comings and goings from the Zoo, and this SSP recommendation is an exciting milestone for Johari. 
 
With nearly a quarter of a century spent with us and her troop here in Toronto, this move is both an exciting opportunity for her journey and an emotional one for the team that has cared for and loved her throughout the years. Born at your Toronto Zoo in 2001 to mom Josephine and dad Charles, Johari had a unique start to life. Due to complications with Josephine’s milk supply, she was hand-reared by our dedicated Wildlife Care team, receiving round-the-clock care before eventually being reintroduced to her mother and the rest of the troop. 
 
Despite her unconventional upbringing, Johari quickly formed strong bonds with other troop members and became known for her charismatic personality, playful spirit, and unmistakable love of accessories, especially her fondness for hats and stuffed animals, which she’s carried with her since infancy. 
 
A lot of preparation goes into transporting animals, involving teams across the Zoo. These include behind-the-scenes work on the logistics front, medical examinations, habitat modifications, and training with keepers to minimize the stress on the journey (1/2)

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## Tags

yourtorontozoo

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