Western Lowland Gorilla

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, but they remain far more common than their relatives, the mountain gorillas. They live in heavy rain forests, and it is difficult for scientists to accurately estimate how many survive in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Western lowland gorillas are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat almost anything, but their diet in the wild mostly comprises plants and fruit. 

Gorillas live for, on average, 35 years in the wild. They give birth to a single baby every four years after a pregnancy of 8 – 9 months. 

We have a troop of six gorillas - Bukavu (the silverback), Miliki, Njema and youngsters Meisie, Moanda and Makari. They are a contented group and enjoy spending time on Gorilla Mountain when the weather is suitable.

In the wild, these primates are under siege. Forest loss is a twofold threat; it destroys gorilla habitat and brings hungry people who hunt gorillas for bushmeat. Farming, grazing, and expanding human settlements are also shrinking the lowland gorilla's space.

We're proud to support the Gorilla Organization through our fundraising efforts in the zoo. You can find out more about them and the work they do here.