Atlanta's Zoo Sending 2 Gorillas To South Carolina Zoo

Atlanta's zoo is getting ready to bid adieu to two of its gorillas who are heading to South Carolina.

Zoo Atlanta says western lowland gorillas Kazi and Macy Baby are scheduled to leave Monday for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. The two 9-year-old females are part of a second generation of gorillas born at Zoo Atlanta.

The two gorillas' move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which aims to ensure that the population of gorillas in North American zoos is self-sustaining and genetically diverse.

Zoo Atlanta says it is home to North America's largest collection of western lowland gorillas, with a current population of 22 individuals.

Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species.

Tags: Atlanta zoo, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, two gorillas being moved, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, endangered gorillas, Gorilla Species Survival Plan