Photo by Rene Diaz
Kengani the Gorilla at the SA Zoo 31May2026
The new Gorilla Exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo, called Congo Falls, is a massive two-acre immersive gorilla habitat, featuring seven gorillas and the tallest gorilla tower in the world. The tower design allows visitors in an adjacent tower to get extremely close. I was only about 25 ft away from this gorilla on May 31, 2026, at the golden hour, when I shot this image. I named him “Kengani,” which means “hero, leader or boss” in the language of Kikongo one of the main languages spoken in Western Congo where these gorillas are from. I used my new Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Mark 2, and my super telephoto lens, the Leica DG 100-400/F 4.0-6.3 shot at the max 400mm ISO 3200 f/6.3 1/250. My name is Oscar Rene Diaz, my social media ID is @judgediaz on Facebook, instagram and X.com judgediaz@icloud.com on On1 Plus forum. I also have a image website called: renediazphoto.com
Post processing notes:
I used just the right timing to show his teeth, and then ON1 Photo RAW 2026 MAX to edit this image. I used Brilliance AI and dynamic contrast to achieve color and balance, and NoNoise AI to enhance his stunning fur and skin. I think Kengani looks remarkably like the Kong on the TV series.Exif information:
| Copyright: | RENE DIAZ |
| Camera: | DC-G9M2 |
| Aperture: | f/6.3 |
| Focal Length: | 400mm |
| ISO: | 3200 |
| Shutter Speed: | 1/250 sec. |
| Created: | May 31, 2026 16:01:53 |