Saying Goodbye To Roxie: The Heart Of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Gorilla Troop
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and animal lovers everywhere are mourning the passing of one of its most beloved residents—Roxie, a 48-year-old female western lowland gorilla whose extraordinary life helped shape not only her troop but also the world of gorilla conservation and care.
Roxie was more than just the zoo’s longest-living resident; she was regarded as an “icon” among both staff and visitors. Born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 1976, Roxie witnessed decades of change in animal welfare and enrichment programs. Her journey is a testament to both the advancements in modern zookeeping and the deep bonds that can form between animals and caregivers.
Western lowland gorillas in human care typically have a median lifespan of 39 years, making Roxie's 48-year life truly remarkable. Her playful, excitable personality brought joy and cohesion to her troop. Keepers remember her for initiating games, energetically beating her chest, clapping, and grumbling as they prepared for training sessions. "She taught us that you can teach an older gorilla new husbandry tactics, and make things better together. She became quite the expert at participating in her own care,” recalled Debbie Fenton, Senior Keeper at Primate World.
Roxie played a pivotal role not only as a companion but also as a social anchor within her troop. Despite never having offspring, she became a nurturing ‘cool aunt’ to younger gorillas such as Asha and Kwisha, helping new arrivals integrate and ensuring the social fabric of the group remained intact. Her calm authority and gentle leadership even helped Goma, the troop’s silverback, establish a healthy place of “respectful dominance,” teaching both him and other gorillas vital social boundaries.
The legacy of Roxie extends beyond her personality and the relationships she nurtured. She contributed significantly to the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan and the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Gorilla initiative. Her life and work with her troop continue to inform best practices in gorilla care and highlight the intelligence and emotional depth of these critically endangered animals. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s decision to allow fellow gorillas time to mourn Roxie’s absence reflects a deep awareness of their sophisticated social needs.
The western lowland gorilla—critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease—faces an uncertain future. Roxie’s story is not only a poignant reminder of the advances made in animal welfare, but also of the urgent need to protect wild populations for generations to come.
As we remember Roxie and her lasting impact, her life invites us to reflect: What more can we do to ensure both the well-being of animals in human care and the survival of their wild counterparts? Share your thoughts and memories of Roxie in the comments below, and let’s continue her legacy by supporting gorilla conservation and celebrating the important roles these animals play in our world.
