News / Bristol Zoo Project
New silverback gorilla arrives at Bristol Zoo Project
A 17-year-old silverback has arrived at Bristol Zoo Project where he will succeed Jock as the leader of the zoo’s troop of western lowland gorillas.
Nkoumou previously lived at Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent, with the 180kg gorilla transported from one side of the country to the other following months of meticulous planning.
Western lowland gorillas are classified as Critically Endangered and face threats including habitat loss and poaching in central Africa.
Nkoumou will be gradually introduced to his new troop through a carefully managed process, with new bonds and relationships possibly taking months to establish.
Nkoumou’s arrival at Bristol Zoo Project followed months of meticulous planning – photo: Jon Drew
Bristol Zoological Society director of conservation & science, Brian Zimmerman, said Nkoumou’s arrival “is significant not only for Bristol Zoo Project, but for the future of a species under threat in the wild”.
Zimmerman said: “Conservation breeding programmes play an important role in maintaining healthy populations for future generations.
“At the same time, the gorilla troop and their habitat at Bristol Zoo Project connect visitors to the landscape of Equatorial Guinea – where we run one of our largest field conservation projects.
“Here we work alongside local communities to help people and wildlife, including western lowland gorillas, coexist and thrive.
“We’re looking forward to watching Nkoumou settle into his new home, develop relationships with the troop and establish his place within the group.”
Nkoumou comes from a Central African word, ‘nkumu’, which means ‘leader’ – photo: Port Lympne
Nkoumou has joined Bristol Zoo Project’s troop of six western lowland gorillas and three cherry-crowned mangabeys, who live in the African Forest habitat at the site near Cribbs Causeway.
Alongside the new arrival, the troop comprises three adult females Touni, Kera and Kala; adolescent female Ayana; and juvenile males Juni and Hasani.
Main photo: Port Lympne Safari Park
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
