The previous Willie B. had died aged 3 shortly before the better-known successor was purchased.

Both Willie Bs had been purchased from international gorilla hunter Dr. Deets Pickett of Kansas City.

[3] Willie B. fathered five offspring at Zoo Atlanta: Kudzoo, Olympia, Sukari, Kidogo, and Lulu.

Kidogo, the only male offspring, took on the name Willie B., Jr. after his father died, taking his place as the heir.

More than 5,000 people attended the memorial ceremony held in his honor and the zoo now has a life-size bronze statue of him on permanent display outside the gorilla habitat.