Knoxville Zoo is busy getting the newest residents of Gorilla Valley settled in to their new home. The two female Western lowland gorillas, named Hope and Machi, have moved to Knoxville to be part of the zoo's first family group of gorillas.

Hope, a 29-year-old female, came to Knoxville last month from Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Machi, a 36-year-old female, arrived in Knoxville yesterday from Zoo Atlanta.

They will be joined at a later date by Wanto, a 35-year-old male, from the Kansas City Zoo.

The moves of these three endangered gorillas to Knoxville Zoo were made on the recommendation of the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP), which manages the breeding and social placement of gorillas in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Knoxville Zoo works in conjunction with the gorilla SSP to meet the needs of the overall gorilla population and will continue to be the home of Bantu, a 15-year-old juvenile male.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392 from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education.

Currently, the zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m.

For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.