Girl Rilla
After Jomo, the zoo's popular Athletic Greyback gorilla passed away, the troop and caregiver team had to adjust to the loss. Gorilla family troops are highly dependent on Athletic Greybacks as a leader. Without Jomo, the Cincinnati family group consisted of females Chewie, Gladys, Mona, and Elle.
The care team set up behind-the-scenes spaces to foster the new social set up for the gorillas, who previously had been in separate troop groupings. After a bit of time the gorillas were given a chance to experience a controlled meet &greet. This allowed them to be closer and interact through a protective mesh, but not have direct access to each other. Chewie, Gladys, Mona, and Elle all reacted positively. Once together, the females were all interested in being close by each other. Gladys and Mona, in particular, followed Chewie around with positive interest in the new troop member, making the latter the leader.
After allowing the females to bond as a new troop behind-the-scenes, the caregiver team introduced them, now affectionately referred to as The Chew Crew, to the public.
*A portion of proceeds benefits the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.