Ueno Zoo is working with other zoos to implement a joint breeding program for Western Lowland Gorilla, based on the species management plan of the Biodiversity Committee of Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We are pleased to announce that we will be sending one gorilla from our zoo and receiving two from other zoos across the country.

Western Lowland Gorilla on the move

[From our zoo to Chiba City Zoological Park]
　Name: Momoka
　Sex: Female
　Born April 24, 2013 Ueno Zoological Gardens


Momoka, Western Lowland Gorilla is being moved to Chiba City Zoological Park.
(Date of photo: July 7, 2025)
[Transferred from Kyoto City Zoo to our zoo]
　Name: Gentaro
　Visual male
　Date of birth: December 21, 2011. Born at Kyoto City Zoo.

[From Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens to our park]
　Name: Annie
　Sex: Female
　Date of birth: June 2, 2013, born at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Planned moving date

The relocation will begin gradually from Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
*Depending on the animals' condition, the transfer may be postponed or canceled.

[From our zoo to Chiba City Zoological Park] Wednesday, October 8, 2025
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*The zoo was moved from Ueno Zoo to Chiba City Zoological Park on October 8th.

[Transferred from Kyoto City Zoo to our zoo] October 27, 2025 (Monday)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*Gentaro arrived at our zoo from Kyoto City Zoo on October 27th.

[From Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens to our park] November 4, 2025 (Tuesday)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*Annie arrived at our zoo from Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens on November 4th.

background

Currently, the number of unrelated Western Lowland Gorilla in Japan is decreasing, making cooperation between zoos increasingly important to maintain genetic diversity for the future. This project aims to breed gorillas while forming a new group by sending "Momoka" (female) from our zoo to Chiba City Zoological Park, and receiving "Gentaro" (male) from Kyoto City Zoo and "Annie" (female) from Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, taking into consideration the genetic diversity among the individuals kept at each zoo.

About the release

We will announce the public viewing date for Western Lowland Gorilla that will be staying at our zoo as soon as it is decided.

Current status of animal care at our zoo (as of August 7, 2025)
7 dogs (2 males, 5 females) *This includes Momoka, who will be sent away this time, but does not include Gentaro and Annie, who will be receiving dogs.

Breeding situation in Japan (as of May 15, 2025)
6 zoos, 19 animals (10 males, 9 females)
Source: Animal Care Report [Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums]

(August 7, 2025)
(October 9, 2025: Added information regarding the transfer of Momoka (from our zoo to Chiba City Zoological Park))
(November 4, 2025: Added information about the arrival of "Gentaro" and "Annie")