Zoo Knoxville Launches Wildly Fun New Brand And Announces Gorilla Pregnancy

News provided by

Feb 26, 2016, 09:00 ET

Born on May 28, 2015, Obi was the first of Zoo Knoxville’s gorilla babies. She’s a natural gymnast who loves to climb. Obi’s name means “heart.” Ubuntu arrived on June 2, 2015. He's all boy and particularly enjoys pestering his half-sister Obi.

Bantu, an 18-year-old male silverback who sired Ubuntu and Obi, is the father of the new gorilla baby due in mid-September. This will be his third offspring.

Ubuntu is one of two Western Lowland Gorillas, born at Zoo Knoxville. Ubuntu is a South African name that means "I am; because of you.”

Kowali, a 37-year-old female, is pregnant. She is an experienced mother. This will be her 6th baby.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Knoxville Zoo is now Zoo Knoxville, emphasizing its commitment to animals first and foremost. The new brand for East Tennessee's beloved destination attraction is an expression of its core values: wildly fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. The launch of the zoo's new brand is the culmination of extensive market research and reflects the nonprofit organization's focus on delivering dynamic guest experiences while inspiring action for wildlife and wild places.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7754151-knoxville-zoo-rebranding/

"We deliver an unforgettable guest experience. We're wildly fun," said Lisa New, president and CEO. "Zoo visitors love connecting with magnificent animals in natural habitats and enjoying facilitated fun. It's about making lifetime memories with your kids."

New, a Knoxville native and UT graduate with a master's degree in animal behavior, was with the zoo for 22 years before taking the helm in May 2013. As "chief steward," she's led initiatives including the green-energy focused "Tiger Forest" habitat for endangered Malayan tigers set to open in 2017 as part of Zoo Knoxville's 10-year master plan.

Arriving last spring, Zoo Knoxville's Western lowland gorilla babies were the first of their endangered species born in Knoxville and the first in Tennessee in 30 years. Zoo Knoxville's successful breeding program is working to save these gorillas from extinction. Gorilla Valley's newest residents, Obi and Ubuntu, helped drive record zoo attendance of 440,015 in 2015. Now Zoo Knoxville is expecting a third baby gorilla. Kowali, a 37-year-old female, is due in mid-September. Bantu, the 18-year-old male silverback who sired Ubuntu and Obi, is the father.

In addition to breeding gorillas, Zoo Knoxville is internationally known for successfully breeding red pandas as part of Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and was the first zoo in America to have breeding success with the endangered Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise.

"Our goal is to bring more Knoxvillians to the zoo, grow our membership base and ensure that Zoo Knoxville is a regional destination attraction," said Eddie Mannis, board chairman. "In order to expand the reach and impact of our programming, it's critical that our brand is top of mind and heart."

Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.

CONTACT: TINA ROLEN
[email protected] /865.919.1240

SOURCE Zoo Knoxville