ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A male silverback gorilla has joined the troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

Paul Donn is the first silverback at the safari park since the passing of 52-year-old Winston last year. At the time, Winston was one of the oldest male gorillas in captivity in the world, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

In January 2021, Winston and his troop were the first known great apes in the world to be diagnosed with COVID-19.

Paul Donn's arrival marks his return to the troop he was raised in, the wildlife alliance said in a news release. He was one of two males that Winston had "allowed into" his troop, a move often uncharacteristic for silverbacks.

A silverback is an adult male recognized by the gray hair on his back. In a troop of g

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