A group of western lowland gorillas will return to Los Angeles in mid-September after living at the Denver Zoo for more than four years.

The group, called a troop, came to Denver in April 2003 as its new state-of-the-art exhibit, Campo Gorilla Reserve, was being built.

"The move is bittersweet," said Ronda Schwetz, area supervisor of primates. "We have enjoyed caring for these gorillas for last four years. However the time has come for them to return to Los Angeles Zoo to live in their brand new exhibit and get reacquainted with their keepers."

Two troops of gorillas live at the Denver Zoo and rotate use of the one-acre outdoor yard and the large indoor dayroom.

The troop that will return to Los Angeles includes Kelly, a 20-year-old male; Evelyn, a 31-year-old female; Rapunzel, a 23-year-old female and her 2-year-old daughter, Tinga, who was born at the Denver Zoo.

The Los Angeles exhibit, which is scheduled to open in November, features innovative behavioral enrichment devices and extensive use of indigenous trees, plants, and other native species.

After the gorillas return to Los Angeles, visitors will still be able to see Denver Zoo's five remaining gorillas: Jim, a 20-year-old male; Bassa, a 30-year old female; Angel, a 20-year-old female; Jo Ray K, a 29-year-old female and her 3-year-old son, Jabali.

The Denver Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 3-11.

For questions, visit www.denverzoo.org.