Bristol Zoo Project welcomes new silverback to lead troop following popular gorilla’s death

Nkoumou is moving from Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent to lead Bristol Zoo Project's troop of six western lowland gorillas as part of a conservation breeding programme helping to safeguard the species which is classified as Critically Endangered. - (Bristol Zoo Project)

Bristol Zoo Project has welcomed a new silverback gorilla, Nkoumou, to lead its western lowland troop, following the death of the UK’s oldest male.

Nkoumou will assume the crucial role of peacekeeper and protector for the six-strong family, ensuring stability.

His arrival follows the passing of Jock, the much-loved silverback who, at 42, was the UK’s oldest male gorilla and had led Bristol’s troop for over two decades.

Transferred from Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, Nkoumou’s move is integral to a vital conservation breeding programme safeguarding western lowland gorillas.

Transporting a 180kg silverback gorilla from Kent to his new home at Bristol Zoo Project required months of careful planning.

Over the coming months, Nkoumou will be gradually introduced to the zoo’s troop through a carefully managed process overseen by animal keepers and welfare experts.

Nkoumou will become the troop’s main peacekeeper and protector, helping maintain stability within the family group (Bristol Zoo Project)

Western lowland gorillas live in close-knit family groups with complex social relationships, meaning introductions can take weeks or months as new bonds and relationships are established.

The name Nkoumou comes from a central African word – “Nkumu” (Na-ku-mu) which means “leader”.

The addition of “ou” is a homage to Nkoumou’s father – “Djanghou”. Nkoumou is also a village in Gabon.

The troop comprises of three adult females Touni, Kera and Kala, adolescent female Ayana and juvenile males Juni and Hasani.

Transporting a 180kg silverback gorilla from Kent to his new home at Bristol Zoo Project required months of careful planning (Bristol Zoo Project)

Brian Zimmerman, director of conservation and science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Nkoumou’s arrival is significant not only for Bristol Zoo Project, but for the future of a species under threat in the wild.

“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, co-exist 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.”

Bristol Zoological Society has cared for gorillas for nearly 90 years, from much-loved favourites like Alfred and Jock to today’s troop at Bristol Zoo Project.