Patrick the Gorilla Leaves Dallas Zoo
23-year old Patrick will soon be leaving the Dallas Zoo for the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina.
After roughly 18 years of residency in Dallas Zoo, the 430-pound male gorilla is finally bidding fans, zoo keepers and other gorillas goodbye. His transfer to another zoo in South Carolina is reportedly due to his inability to get along with other gorillas in Dallas Zoo.
Patrick was born on April 13, 1990 at the Bronx Zoo and was reportedly abandoned by his mother. As a result, he was hand raised with another male of the same age at the Toronto Zoo.
It wasn't until 5 years later when he was transferred to the Dallas Zoo along with the other male he was raised with. According to the zoo's veterinarian, Patrick had considerable difficulties in forming social relationships. Specifically, he had problems with gorillas of the opposite sex and even recently bit one female gorilla.
"We have tried for years to socialize Patrick with other gorillas," said Lynn Kramer, D.V.M., Vice President of Animal Operations for the Dallas Zoo in their website. "It's become clear that he prefers to live a solitary life. This move will allow Patrick to continue to thrive while creating an opportunity for our four remaining males to form a cohesive bachelor group."
Dallas Zoo is also considering Patrick's transfer to South Carolina in hopes of reclaiming his space which he inhabits alone. ABC News reports that the zoo recently acquired two more males from the Calgary Zoo - one of which is Zola, the break-dancing gorilla who starred in a now viral video.
Staff from the Dallas Zoo describes Patrick as "extremely intelligent" and one who interacts very well with zoo keepers and the public. In fact, he is dubbed as a visitor favorite and loves to sit close to the habitat windows.
On September 28 and 29, the Dallas Zoo will be holding a "We'll Miss Ya, Patrick!" celebration with a $5 admission for visitors 3 years old and above. The $5 admission will include mini cupcakes for the guests, a special treats presentation for Patrick, a gorilla keeper presentation and a going-away card to sign for Patrick and the zoo staff. For more information on the Patrick's going-away celebration, click HERE.