This month, Zoo Atlanta is grappling with both beginnings and endings of life in The Ford African Rain Forest exhibit. There are two huge pieces of news out of Zoo Atlanta: first, Machi, who turned 50 years old this year, has passed away. Secondly, Lulu, a 27-year-old member of Taz’s troop, is pregnant!
As the Zoo navigates beginnings and endings, they want to share the story of both of these gorillas’ stories with the public.
Remembering Machi
Machi was a 50-year-old gorilla at Zoo Atlanta. She was born at the Emory National Primate Research Center and journeyed to Zoo Atlanta when she was 12 years old.
What happened to Machi?
The Zoo states on in a release on their website,
Like many geriatric gorillas, she had been living with chronic osteoarthritis that had become increasingly severe. In addition to her arthritis, a recent physical examination identified other serious health concerns that carried a poor prognosis and significantly diminished the likelihood of meaningful recovery. Despite the tireless efforts of the Primate and Veterinary Teams to manage her conditions and maintain her comfort, it became clear that Machi was unlikely to regain the quality of life and freedom from pain her care teams believed she deserved. With her overall health and welfare as the highest priority, the heartbreaking decision was made to humanely euthanize her on September 13, 2026.
Celebrating Lulu’s pregnancy
Earlier this summer, the Zoo also confirmed a pregnancy for Lulu, a 27-year old gorilla in the The Ford African Rain Forest. They expect the baby will arrive sometime during the holiday season.
This new baby will be the 27th gorilla born at Zoo Atlanta.
Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation, said in a statement,
It is part of the life of any zoological organization to both mourn the passing of senior individuals and to look forward to the arrival of new infants. Both are especially resonant in the case of a critically endangered species. Machi was a beloved and extraordinary individual and an irreplaceable part of our story. At the same time, Lulu will bring a new life to the gorilla population – an event that is always worth celebrating.
If you’d like to pay a visit to the Zoo, you can get all the information & book your tickets on their website, here!
Rest in peace, Machi. And congratulations to Lulu!