JoJo, Lincoln Park Zoo Gorilla, Leaving City For New Brookfield Zoo Home (VIDEO)

Popular Lincoln Park Zoo Resident Heads To The 'Burbs

Lincoln Park Zoo's loss is the Brookfield Zoo's gain as JoJo, a 31-year-old silverback gorilla, is due to say goodbye to his longtime Chicago home and head to the suburbs.

On Tuesday, WGN reported, JoJo was moved to the Brookfield Zoo in order to start a family. The Brookfield Zoo has three females on hand there with whom he can canoodle.

"JoJo will be missed by staff and friends of Lincoln Park Zoo, but this is really a win-win situation for everyone involved," Maureen Leahy, the Lincoln Park Zoo's primates curator said in a statement announcing the change last month. "Animal care staff at both zoos will be nearby to make the transition as easy as possible, and the proximity of Brookfield Zoo means JoJo’s human friends can visit him any time."

ABC Chicago reported last month that the 480-pound JoJo's move to procreate mirrors a natural progression within a gorilla's life.

Two other Lincoln Park primates -- Tabibu and Makari, both females -- will also be leaving in order to breed in new homes in Ohio and Missouri. The exit of all three was marked with a farewell party on Tuesday.

In further changes, the Lincoln Park Zoo is also welcoming two new gorillas -- Mosi and Umande -- who will complete the zoo's first-ever all-bachelor group.

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