Silver Celebration

A New Era Begins at Gorilla Forest

August 10, 2025*

He’s large, in charge, and the hair on his back is silver-gray. There’s someone new at Gorilla Forest at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and you’ll want to meet him—if you haven’t already!

Paul Donn, a 36-year-old silverback with an incredible presence and a patch of red hair on his forehead, recently joined the family group at the Safari Park. He’s their first silverback since the passing of longtime leader Winston last year, and we look forward to seeing how he will carry on his generational heartwarming legacy.

You might recognize Paul Donn, as he most recently led the family group at the San Diego Zoo. His sons have reached maturity, and the time was right to begin the natural next phase for both troops.

Born at the Safari Park, Paul Donn is returning as an experienced silverback to lead the family troop.

He’s (Silver) Back!

Paul Donn’s arrival at the Safari Park’s Gorilla Forest is a full-circle moment as he was born there in 1989, and his mom, Kami, remains a beloved part of the Safari Park troop today. In fact, he is one of only two males who were accepted into this gorilla family by gentle leader Winston, despite being unrelated to him. This was an unusual act of acceptance, as typically a silverback will not allow another male gorilla in his family group that is not his offspring. By welcoming Paul Donn, Winston cemented a bond that helped shape the dynamics of the troop.

Now, years later, Paul Donn is returning—as a leader—ready to create his own chapter in an incredible story. Joining him is 44-year-old Jessica, the other member of his family group at the San Diego Zoo. With these changes, the San Diego Zoo is now home to a thriving bachelor troop, a natural social structure that occurs when males reach maturity and leave their birth troop.

Jessica’s presence alongside Paul Donn will contribute to their natural transition as the family finds a new rhythm under the guidance of a silverback once more. Silverbacks play a vital role in supporting natural social dynamics, offering cohesiveness for the females and making all important decisions for the troop.

Silverbacks like Paul Donn play a vital role in uniting, protecting, and making all important decisions for their troop.

Making Preparations

Preparing Paul Donn and Jessica for their new world at the Safari Park took months of planning and collaboration. Every day, wildlife care teams spend countless moments building strong and positive bonds with the gorillas they care for. So for several months before the transition, wildlife care specialists from the Safari Park worked alongside teams at the Zoo to build those new relationships with both Paul Donn and Jessica to ensure their transition would be seamless. The San Diego Zoo team then accompanied the pair to the Safari Park, working closely together as they settled into their new home at Gorilla Forest. This atmosphere of trust and familiarity is helping ensure everyone thrives in this new chapter.

Paul Donn (pictured) is the Safari Park family troop's first silverback since the passing of longtime leader Winston last year.

Securing the Future for Gorillas

Paul Donn’s new role at Gorilla Forest followed a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan program for gorillas, which is focused on maintaining a healthy and sustainable population of this critically endangered species.

Gorillas are native to the lush rainforests of Central Africa. While they have no natural predators, they unfortunately face threats that include habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trafficking. Additionally, their close genetic ties to humans make them particularly susceptible to contracting diseases such as Ebola and other lethal viruses, presenting increasing challenges to their coexistence with humans.

Through our African Forest Conservation Hub, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and our partners are making critical gorilla conservation efforts possible across Central Africa. Collaborative, sustainable, community-led initiatives are empowering the next generation of conservationists. Those efforts are building a future where gorillas can thrive, and people can better coexist with these iconic great apes.

On your next visit to the Safari Park, connect with Paul Donn, Jessica, and the rest of the troop as they begin this exciting new era at Gorilla Forest, honoring Winston’s legacy. Be there to witness awe-inspiring moments as the group interacts with their new silverback, and discover more about their lives from dedicated volunteers who share the family’s stories.

Join us in protecting these incredible primates—every ShopZoo purchase supports vital gorilla conservation efforts. While our Gorilla Shadow collection celebrates silverbacks, explore all our wild tie-dye tees, tracking bracelets, drinkware, and cuddly plushies—perfect for every ape enthusiast. Best of all, your purchase helps wildlife thrive. Shop the Gorilla Collection today!

*As seen on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Story Hub.