VIP
Adult Male

Born: January 26, 1979. Father of Ngozi, Naku, Akenji and Calaya.

Weight: 445 pounds (202 kg)

History: Vip was the first captive-born gorilla in the Netherlands, eventually moving to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. In 1996 he moved here and became the leader of this group. Because he has no breeding relative in North America, his offspring are especially valuable to the captive gorilla population. Vip is an excellent father and takes great interest in his offspring. He has sired five daughters while at Woodland Park Zoo.

Characteristics: Very low brow ridge (which makes him look agitated), extremely large head, very black hair with a striking silvery back. The toes on both feet are often curled.

Photo: Mat Hayward

JUMOKE
Adult Female

Born: May 9, 1985 at Woodland Park Zoo. Daughter of Pete. Mother of Nadiri and Akenji.

Weight: 265 pounds (120 kg)

History: Reared in Group 1, Jumoke was moved out to avoid inbreeding. She was unable to rear her first offspring, Nadiri. She then proved to be a good mother to her second offspring (who now lives at another zoo), but surprised zoo staff by refusing to rear her third offspring, Akenji.

Distinguishing features: Black back, taller than Amanda, has a higher, more pointed crest. Jumoke is a good tool user and is very confident around Vip.

AMANDA
Adult Female

Born: Wild-born in 1970. Mother of Ngozi and Calaya.

Weight: 225 pounds (102 kg)

History: Raised at the Toronto Zoo, Amanda moved to Woodland Park Zoo in 1994. She gave birth to her first offspring in 1995, but the male infant died five days later. She then gave birth to Ngozi in March 1998 and Calaya in August 2002. She is an excellent mother.

Characteristics: Prominent silver back, small but muscular stature (especially in upper body), small, smooth face with longer hair on her arms than Jumoke.

Photo: Mat Hayward

CALAYA
Juvenile Female

Born: August 30, 2002 at Woodland Park Zoo. Daughter of Vip and Amanda

Weight: 85 pounds (39 kg)

History: Calaya is the second surviving offspring of Amanda and Vip. As the youngest member of the group, she is tolerated by all other members.

Distinguishing features: Calaya is independent and a great climber.

UZUMMA
Infant Female

Born: October 20, 2007 at Woodland Park Zoo. Daughter of Vip and Amanda

Weight: 4.5 pounds (2.0412 kg) at birth

History: This is the third surviving offspring of Amanda and Vip. As the youngest member of the group, she is tolerated by all other members.

Distinguishing features: Mostly held in the arms of mother Amanda. As she grows, she will become more independent.