Gorilla Rainforest

The Gorilla Rainforest, proudly sponsored by Freddy Fyffes, is the biggest and most exciting development undertaken by Dublin Zoo in a number of years. A total of 12,000 square metres of undulating topography was inspired by the lowland rainforest of western Africa, home to western lowland gorillas.

The largest of the primates, western lowland gorillas favour quiet, tranquil environments and the design of this incredible new habitat was strongly influenced by behavioural studies of gorillas in the wild. High, rocky outcrops and trees allow the apes an overview of the surrounding landscape, while streams and dense vegetation allow the gorillas to forage and move to private resting spaces.

Dublin Zoo has maintained western lowland gorillas for many years and is home to a breeding group of seven healthy gorillas, the most recent additions being Kituba, a baby boy who was born earlier this year and Mayani’s newborn.It is envisaged that the troop will grow in size to between 12 – 15 gorillas over the coming years.

The Gorilla Rainforest provides a new and exciting experience for visitors to observe the gorillas in a natural environment. Discovering the gorillas requires patience and at least half an hour is needed to explore the Gorilla Rainforest.

 

Dublin Zoo Gorilla Troop

• Harry, born in 1986. Harry is Dublin Zoo’s handsome silverback and a wonderful leader.  Everyone in the small troop looks up to him. He always keeps a watchful eye on what they are doing and he’ll keep an eye on you too! He is a proud father and makes time to interact with his three sons, Alf, Evindi and Kituba.

• Lena, born in 1984.  Lena is a very caring mum, kept busy by the constant demands of her sons, Alf, Evindi and Kituba.  Her experience as a mother shines through and she always makes the right decisions for them. She is Harry’s mate and her respect for him is clear.  Together, they make great parents.

• Mayani, born in 2001. She was born in Barcelona, hand-reared in Stuttgart and arrived to Dublin Zoo when she was 4 years old.  It was a great success when the troop accepted her. She is now highly respected and Harry’s other mate.  Mayani is the most adventurous, inquisitive member of the troop and loves tasting new foods.

• Alf, born in 2001.  Alf is a special member of the troop.  He is steady but cautious. If there is anything new to try out, he’ll often push his younger brother Evindi forward to do the testing.  He likes to chase and play with the younger troop members and he enjoys spending time near Mayani the young female, only when Harry is not looking!

• Evindi, born in 2006.  Evindi is the troublemaker of the troop and always on the look out for a playmate. He usually finds one in his big brother, Alf.  Evindi has inherited his father Harry’s handsome looks and knows how to use his charm.  It is hard not to love him, however mischievous he is.

• Kituba, born in March 2011.  When Kituba was born in March 2011 his picture was all over the press.  For weeks, his mother Lena held him so close to her chest that the animal care team could not tell if he was a boy or a girl. Now he wants to hang out with his older brothers and join in the fun.

• Newborn, born in September 2011. Mayani gave birth to a beautiful baby girl gorilla days after they moved to their new home. This is Mayani’s first baby and she is taking to motherhood very well.