Zoo Atlanta will be holding “Willie B. Day” on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, in honor of the famous western lowland gorilla, who spent most of his life at the zoo and became the face of its transformation in the 1980s. Guests can enjoy special keeper talks and interactive educational activities and view Willie B.’s newest grandchild, named in his honor. Visitors can also try the Willie B. Legacy Lager, developed exclusively for the zoo by SweetWater Brewery. Zoo Atlanta aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of western lowland gorillas and supports various conservation projects in Africa.
Zoo Atlanta Will Celebrate “Willie B. Day”
Zoo Atlanta will celebrate the annual “Willie B. Day” on December 13. This day commemorates the life of Willie B., a gorilla who became a symbol of hope and resilience in the Atlanta community.
The following sections discuss the significance of Willie B. in Atlanta’s history and the various activities planned for his day.
Who was Willie B.?
Willie B. was a western lowland gorilla who spent the first 27 years of his life in captivity at the Atlanta Zoo. He was captured in the wild in Africa and shipped to New York before being transferred to Atlanta in 1961.
For many years, Willie B. lived in an outdated and inadequate enclosure, which received criticism from animal welfare organizations and the public. However, in 1988, his enclosure was renovated, providing him with more space and natural habitat.
In his later years, Willie B. became an ambassador for his species, and his story inspired Atlanta residents to fight for animal rights and conservation.
Activities Planned for Willie B. Day
To honor Willie B.’s legacy, Zoo Atlanta is hosting various activities for visitors of all ages. These activities include:
1. A documentary screening on Willie B.’s life and legacy.
2. A Kids’ Gorilla Zone where young visitors can learn about gorillas and participate in interactive activities.
3. Gorilla keeper talks, allowing visitors to learn more about the species and their care.
4. A Gorilla Birthday Party, where Willie B.’s birthday cake will be available to visitors for purchase, with the proceeds benefiting gorilla conservation.
Why celebrate Willie B. Day?
Willie B. Day celebrates the life of an important figure in Atlanta’s history. Willie B.’s story highlights the importance of animal welfare and represents Atlanta’s growth and progress toward conservation and responsible captivity.
By commemorating Willie B. Day, we can continue to remember and honor his legacy while educating ourselves and future generations about the importance of wildlife conservation.
