Gorilla Paul Donn has joined the troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as its first silverback since beloved Winston’s passing last year, zoo officials announced Monday.
Jessica, the 44-year-old female who has been living with 36-year-old Paul Donn, has also joined the troop.
Zoo officials said the arrival of a silverback will benefit the troop’s social dynamic. The move also marks Paul Donn’s return to the troop in which he was raised. He was one of two unrelated males that Winston allowed into his troop until they neared reproductive age, an unusual tolerance for a silverback.
Winston, a 52-year-old western lowland gorilla, died last summer from age-related conditions.
Super troop ? The gorillas at the Safari Park welcomed two new members to their group with the recent arrival of Paul Donn and Jessica from the San Diego Zoo. Paul Donn is the troop's first silverback since Winston's passing, and will carry on the gentle leader's legacy. pic.twitter.com/3YTpp4xHQu
— San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (@sandiegozoo) August 10, 2025In gorilla troops, one adult male — the silverback, identifiable by the gray hair on his back — leads the group and is responsible for decision-making, safety and well-being of the family.
Officials said the transition of Paul Donn and Jessica will allow the zoo to support bachelor gorillas.
Visitors can see the pair, along with the rest of the troop, at Gorilla Forest in the Safari Park.
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