SEATTLE — Woodland Park Zoo is preparing to transfer a young gorilla to a new facility while welcoming a second sloth and launch the sale of tickets for its OktoBEARfest,
Kitoko, a 6-year-old male western lowland gorilla born March 4, 2020, will leave the zoo after August 31, the last day visitors can see him. The move follows recommendations from the Gorilla Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Kitoko has reached the subadult stage when males typically leave their natal group to join bachelor groups of similar-aged males.
His current family includes mother Uzumma, father Kwame, adult females Nadiri, Akenji and Yola, and juvenile half-sister Zuna. Animal Care Manager of Primates Arden Robert said Kitoko has become more energetic and is testing family members’ patience.
“Kitoko has entered the phase of testing the patience of family members, especially the females. He has always been adventurous, energetic and playful, but as a 6-year-old male he’s becoming rowdier, trying to push his weight around while the adults keep him in check,” said Arden Robert, Animal Care Manager of Primates at Woodland Park Zoo. “Rather than wait before he becomes too boisterous, resulting in family scuffles, this is an auspicious time to move him to a new home where he can live with other males of similar ages and temperaments.”
The destination zoo, which is AZA-accredited, will not be named until Kitoko arrives and settles. A gorilla caretaker will travel with Kitoko and remain several days to help him settle into his new home. To help ensure a comfortable and safe road trip, crate training sessions have been taking place in an area not viewable to the public to help him with crate comfort and desensitization. After the transfer, the zoo will house 12 gorillas in two family groups.
Woodland Park Zoo has a new arrival, Jessie, a 26-year-old female Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth born September 10, 1999, at the Philadelphia Zoo. She joins 11-year-old male Fezzik, who arrived last year, in the Tropical Rain Forest habitat shared with golden lion tamarins. The pair was recommended under the AZA Species Survival Plan.
“We’re thrilled to have a second sloth, Jessie, join Fezzik here at Woodland Park Zoo,” said Robert. “Jessie and Fezzik offer visitors a unique chance to observe the calm, fascinating behaviors that make sloths so beloved.”
Guests can find Jessie and Fezzik hanging out in the zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest, where they also share their habitat with the zoo’s golden lion tamarins.
Tickets went on sale Aug. 7 for OktoBEARfest, an adults-only event on Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 7 p.m.
The entire zoo will be open to guests 21 and older, featuring regional brews and ciders, games, ambassador animal programming, keeper talks and tastings. VIP tickets cost $140 with 1 p.m. entry and include 15 tastings, exclusive encounters, a commemorative glass and exhibit access. Conservation Partner tickets are $100 with the same entry time and benefits. General admission is $80 and designated driver tickets $55, both with 3 p.m. entry. Participating producers include Anacortes Brewery, Aslan Brewing, Schilling Cider and others.
Here are just some of the breweries you’ll taste at OktoBEARfest: Anacortes Brewery, Aslan Brewing, Bainbridge Brewing, Channel Marker Cider, Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery, Fountain Brewing, Glory Bucha Hard Kombucha, Hierophant Meadery, Jötunn Ciderhouse, Ladd & Lass Brewing, Mr. B’s Meadery, Obec Brewing, Offset Ciderworks, Pelican Brewing Company, Rooftop Brewing, Schilling Cider, Slightly Furry Beverage Company, Urban Family, Woodinville Cider Works, Lucky Envelope Brewing, Stoup Brewing, Old Stove Brewing Company.
From August 15 to September 30, the public can nominate individuals or families facing financial, cultural or ability barriers for free general admission tickets through the All for Access program. Nominees may include those with healthcare challenges, disabilities, immigrants, refugees, low-income families, foster families or trauma survivors. Self-nominations are allowed.
Accepted nominees will receive tickets directly after notification within 10 business days. The program is part of the All for Animals campaign, which aims to raise $75,000 by September 30 for veterinary care, conservation and community programs. Giving Day is September 30.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
