Summary:
– Willie B. Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18, in honor of the famous western lowland gorilla.
– Willie B. spent his first 27 years in an indoor environment before becoming the face of Zoo Atlanta‘s transformation in the 1980s.
– He was introduced to female gorillas and became a successful troop leader and father of five offspring, four of which still reside at Zoo Atlanta.
– Visitors can enjoy special Keeper Talks and educational activities on the Takamenda Gorilla Deck and view scenes from a historical special about Willie B.
– The public is encouraged to share their memories of Willie B. via email and social media.
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On June 18, Zoo Atlanta will celebrate Willie B. Day in honor of the famous western lowland gorilla who spent most of his life there. Born around 1959 in the wilds of Africa, Willie B. arrived in Atlanta in 1961 as a young two-year-old. He would spend his first 27 years at the Zoo living in an indoor environment before becoming the face of a radical transformation in the 1980s.
The transformation began in 1985 with the opening of the newly constructed Gorilla Research Center. This new center was designed to simulate the gorilla’s natural habitat and provide them with enrichment opportunities that would keep them healthy and stimulated. Willie B. was the first gorilla to move into this new center 1988, later becoming the Ford African Rain Forest.
Willie B. was introduced to female gorillas for the first time in his life, something that he had never experienced living indoors. He embraced his new surroundings and, over time, became a successful troop leader. This provided him with a sense of purpose and social interaction that he had not previously been able to experience.
During his time at the Ford African Rain Forest, Willie B. fathered five offspring, four of which still reside at Zoo Atlanta. His children include three daughters, Kudzoo, Sukari, and Lulu, and one son, Willie B. Jr. His second daughter, Olympia, was sent to live at another accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) organization. Willie B.’s offspring have now had offspring, making Willie B. a grandfather many times over.
Over 5,000 people attended Willie B.’s memorial in February of 2000 when he passed away at 42. His legacy can be seen throughout the Zoo, from photos of him on the walls to the life-sized Willie B. Memorial Statue near the Ford African Rain Forest entrance. This statue is the most popular photo op at Zoo Atlanta and allows visitors to remember this legendary gorilla.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Willie B.’s first entrance into the naturalistic Ford African Rain Forest. To celebrate, Zoo Atlanta will be holding a special event on Sunday, June 18, where guests can enjoy special Keeper Talks from the Gorilla Care Team, interactive educational activities on the Takamenda Gorilla Deck, and a chance to spot Willie B.’s newest grandchild, Willie B. III. In addition, guests in the Ford Willie B. Gorilla Conservation Center can view scenes from the WSB-Channel 2 News historical special “The Life and Times of Willie B.,” initially aired in 2001.
Visitors to Zoo Atlanta are encouraged to share their memories of Willie B. via email to WillieB@zooatlanta.org and to post photos and tag the Zoo on social media. These memories help keep Willie B.’s legacy alive and bring visitors closer to the beloved gorilla.
In conclusion, Willie B. will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember him. His legacy lives on at Zoo Atlanta through his offspring and the many visitors who come to see his statue and recall his life. By celebrating Willie B. Day, visitors can learn more about this legendary gorilla and remember his remarkable impact on the Zoo and the people of Atlanta. So, come to Zoo Atlanta on June 18 and celebrate the OG gorilla, Willie B.!
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Source Description
Help us celebrate the OG gorilla, Willie B., during Willie B. Day Sunday, June 18!
Guests will enjoy special Keeper Talks from the Gorilla Care Team, interactive educational activities on the Takamenda Gorilla Deck, and a chance to spot the late legend’s newest grandchild, Willie B. III, who was named in his honor last month. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests in the Ford Willie B. Gorilla Conservation Center will also have an opportunity to view scenes from the WSB-Channel 2 News historical special “The Life and Times of Willie B.,” which initially aired in 2001.
Fans near and far are encouraged to share their recollections of Willie B. via email to WillieB@zooatlanta.org. Don’t forget to post photos and tag us @zooatl too! Stay tuned to Zoo Atlanta’s Facebook and Instagram to share more memories on Sunday, June 18.
2023 marks the 35th anniversary of Willie B.’s first entrance into the naturalistic Ford African Rain Forest – a moment celebrated with joy throughout Atlanta and beyond. Named for then-mayor William B. Hartsfield, the famous western lowland gorilla arrived in Atlanta in 1961 as a youngster of around 2 years old. He spent his first 27 years at the Zoo in an indoor environment, becoming the face of the Zoo’s radical transformation in the 1980s. With his move to the new Ford African Rain Forest complex, he was introduced to female gorillas, becoming a successful troop leader and the father of five offspring. Four of his five children – daughters Kudzoo, Sukari, and Lulu and only son, Willie B. Jr. – live at Zoo Atlanta. His second daughter, Olympia, lives at another accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) organization. All five have now since had their own offspring, making Willie B. a grandfather many times over. More than 5,000 people attended Willie B.’s memorial in February 2000 when he passed away at 42. He is immortalized at the life-sized Willie B. Memorial Statue near the entrance to The Ford African Rain Forest – the most popular photo-op at Zoo Atlanta. Click the link in our bio for event details!
