06/15/2026
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is deeply saddened to announce the loss of Cenzoo, the beloved western lowland gorilla.
Over the past several months, animal care staff observed changes in Cenzoo’s behavior, appetite, and activity levels. After closely monitoring these changes, Riverbanks’ veterinary team conducted a comprehensive evaluation, including a CT scan, which identified fluid in his abdomen and a mass near his colon. These findings pointed to a serious underlying condition with limited treatment and recovery options. Consultations between Riverbanks’ animal health team and medical specialists from across the country helped guide the difficult decision to euthanize him to prevent worsening of his condition.
Cenzoo has been an important part of the Riverbanks troop for over a decade and shaped the experience for every guest and staff member. Born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 1996, he lived at several Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions, including Denver Zoo, Busch Gardens, and Birmingham Zoo, before arriving at Riverbanks in 2015.
Cenzoo had two sons while he lived at Riverbanks. He was an excellent father and always enjoyed spending time with ZaKota and Moyo, who recently joined a bachelor troop at Dallas Zoo, extending Cenzoo’s legacy to a new generation.
The animal care team, who had the privilege of knowing him best, shared the following tribute: "Since his arrival at Riverbanks, Cenzoo was a steady presence in our piece of the gorilla world. Cenzoo led his family with confidence, always acting in their best interest. Always more cautious than he needed to be, he made sure that everyone stayed safe. He was a strong, patient father, a consistent leader for his family, a protector against any and all scary things that he thought might threaten his family. This included odd-looking Christmas lights, snakes that wiggled too much, and bugs that smelled unusual. Cenzoo was also an incredibly intelligent gorilla, always challenging new keepers by seeing how little he could do to still get his rewards. During food toss, if you were not feeding him fast enough, he would give you the famous Cenzoo side-eye and clap to let you know he was ready. Everyone who had the privilege to work with Cenzoo feels this loss deeply. All of us feel extremely lucky to have helped him lead a happy and full life.”
