Western Lowland Gorillas

Overview

Anyone who has ever longed to come face to face with these impressive primates will not be disappointed as the only thing separating inhabitants and guests are huge viewing windows, designed for both close visitor access and total gorilla comfort.

Chessington is home to 10 Gorillas, 4 males and 6 females and is one of the very few that includes three generations of the same family. The Gorillas are divided into two groups each with a dominant male.

The head of the first group is retired Kumba, who despite weighing in at a hefty 35 stone is a gentle giant. Kumba’s group is made up of Bafia, along with playful Kumili and Kumi.

14 year old Damisi is head of the second group and the only breeding male at Chessington Zoo. Female Buu gave birth on the 10th of March 2009 to her first baby, a male called Mbula. Completing the group are Shani, Shanga and Asili.

Make sure you don’t miss the gorilla scatter feeds at 11.45am and 1.45pm everyday, a great way to see the gorillas playing and eating.

FUN FACT: Male gorillas are called silverbacks because as they get older they grow a patch of silvery grey hair on their backs. The older the gorilla is, the whiter his back will get and it shows the other gorillas that he’s the boss.

Book your visit now, or for the chance to get even more involved, see our information about Zoo Keeper for a Day, Really Wild Birthday Parties and Animal Adoption packages.

Western Lowland Gorillas can be found in Trail of the Kings.

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