Molecular systematics for taxonomic placement of a gorilla of uncertain origin

An adult male gorilla was donated from private ownership in 1994 to Zoo Atlanta and became part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Gorilla Species Survival Plan. This animal, Ivan, was captured as an infant in Africa in 1964. Ambiguity regarding origin and concomitant sub‐species designation was resolved by analyzing the cytochrome oxidase II mitochondrial gene known to contain eight diagnostic sites for gorilla sub‐species. Ivan has the diagnostic profile that characterizes the western clade Gorilla gorilla gorilla. Zoo Biol 18:429–432, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.