Shamba

Shamba (1959 - 27th October 2017) was a western lowland gorilla who resided at Zoo Atlanta from 1988 until her death. She was part of a group of three geriatric western lowland gorillas consisting of her, Ozoum and Choomba. She was born in the wild in Africa in 1959 and was captured between 1959 and 1965. On the 22nd May 1965, she was transferred to the to the Yerkes Primate Center. She remained at the Yerkes Primate Center for 23 years, until the 18th May 1988 when she was transferred to Zoo Atlanta with Ozoum and Choomba. They were part of the opening of the Ford African Rain Forest, helping to turn Zoo Atlanta into a well-respected zoo across the United States. Shamba was one of the first gorillas in Zoo Atlanta. At the time of her death, Shamba was believed to be the fourth oldest gorilla in America, behind Colo, Trudy and Helen. She had five children, Akbar (deceased), Makani (deceased), Radi (born 1983) [whose father was Ozoum], SimSim (1986-2019) and Taz (born 1989). She had 30 other descendants, comprised of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. After being found unresponsive on the 27th October 2017, her caregivers decided to euthanise her at the age of 58. A necropsy was performed on her at the University of Georgia Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service in The College of Veterinary Medicine. According to Hayley Murphy, vice president of animal divisions. “Shamba was an extraordinary individual, beloved by her care team and the Zoo Atlanta family, and her passing is very difficult, especially for those who knew her best and interacted with her daily.” Shamba and Choomba were affectionately known as the "Golden Girls" by those who knew them.