As of 2023, western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are housed at 49 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Responsible population management and sustainability often necessitate transferring individuals between these zoos. However, this process is extensive and can include pre-shipment examinations, environmental changes and post-arrival quarantine periods — all before actually being introduced to a new habitat, new caretakers and potentially new social group members. Thanks to generous funding support from both the AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund and the American Society of Primatologists Melinda Novak Animal Welfare Grant, we are currently partnering with 11 other zoos to monitor 19 gorillas scheduled for transfers. In collaboration with the DZS’s Great Ape Heart Project as well as husbandry and veterinary teams at each institution, we are collecting qualitative behavioral data, monitoring cardiovascular responses via implantable loop recorders, and collecting fecal, urine and blood samples that will be assayed for biomarkers of stress. These comprehensive physiological and behavioral measures will allow us to validate meaningful non-invasive welfare indicators, including a measure of oxidative stress, DNA damage. We will also be able to investigate relationships between transport stress, DNA damage and cardiac health. Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death for gorillas in human care, these relationships are critical. We hope to provide insight into what individuals experience during transfers and help ensure that we are proactive in implementing management protocols that support optimal well-being for gorillas.