3 Gorillas Leaving Detroit Zoo, Officials Hosting Going Away Party

ROYAL OAK, MI — A group of gorillas is leaving the Detroit Zoo after spending two decades there, zoo officials announced.

Three gorilla brothers - Chipua "Chip," Pendeka "Pende" and Kongo-Mbeli "Kongo" - will be leaving the Royal Oak-based zoo this summer and heading to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, officials said.

"This is not an easy goodbye - these brothers have built a special place in our hearts over the last 20 years," officials said. "However, this move is in the best interest of their continued well-being."

Officials did not say where the three gorilla brothers were being transferred to, or whether they will still all be together.

Officials did say, however, the zoo will be welcoming in another group of gorillas after the brothers leave. But before the zoo welcomes the new gorilla, officials will spend some time renovating the Great Apes of Harambee habitat.

Officials are hosting a going away party for the gorilla brothers at the zoo on Saturday and Sunday.