Barney the Silverback Cleared for Relocation to Brookfield Zoo
Barney, a 31-year-old lowland silverback from Zoo Miami, has successfully passed all pre-shipment health checks ahead of his move to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.
The comprehensive examinations, overseen by veterinarians Dr. Marisa Bezjian and Dr. Nicholas Buscaglia, with support from Chief of Animal Health Dr. Gwen Myers, included blood tests, X-rays, dental cleanings, ultrasound cardiac scans, TB screenings, and vaccinations for rabies and tetanus. Human cardiologist Dr. Ken Zide also contributed expertise for the heart evaluations.
Barney’s results showed he is in excellent health, fully recovered, and ready to join Brookfield Zoo’s brand-new tropical forest habitat, where he will be part of the zoo’s first bachelor gorilla troop.
His relocation also marks the end of an era: for the first time in over 40 years, Zoo Miami will be without gorillas as updates to their ape habitat get underway.
