Western lowland gorilla

Les Gorilles des plaines de l’Ouest – Pairi Daiza

Mammal

Back covered with grey hair

The western lowland gorilla is an impressive primate which lives in tropical rainforests and wetlands, up to 1,300m in altitude, on the Atlantic side of central Africa. It is a quiet animal that is only aggressive when it is disturbed or threatened.

These large primates live in groups, usually with a dominant male which is larger and more powerful than the females (it measures up to 1m 80 in height and can weigh around 200 kg) and its back is covered with grey hair. Alongside him, some females and their offspring: babies, juveniles, teenagers and young adults. Their reproductive rate is low: the female is only mature after about eight years and gives birth to one baby each year, following a gestation period of about 9 months.

The species is critically endangered and at risk of extinction. Indeed, while 20 years ago the population numbered around 100,000 individuals, intense deforestation, poaching and particularly diseases such as a form of the HIV virus, malaria and especially Ebola have decimated the gorilla populations.

In Pairi Daiza

4 gorillas in Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is home to four gorillas, young adult males divided into two groups:

Shomari (male) born on July 12, 2007 in Artis Zoo (The Netherlands). Arrived in Pairi Daiza in 2016.
Indigo (male) born on September 27, 2012 in Durrell Wildlife (Jersey). Arrived in Pairi Daiza in 2019.
Tebogo (male) born on March 22, 2012 in Zoologischer Garten Wuppertal (Germany). Arrived in Pairi Daiza in 2019.
Lomako (male) born on november 19, 2004 in 'La Vallée des singes' (France). Arrived in Pairi Daiza in 2016.

We have provided them with a territory worthy of their impressive appearance: two islands, each featuring a hollow hill in the shape of a volcano, the inside of which is illuminated by the light shaft from the crater and which contains a large enclosure where they can wander about, climb on poles and ropes, sit in the sand and watch us with their bright little eyes.

Observing

How should you behave when viewing our gorillas?

If they are in their inner territories, you will observe our gorillas through a glass pane. This glass pane does not prevent interaction through facial expression or posture, by gestures or by voice. The gorilla is very sensitive and intelligent: it is perfectly capable of interpreting your demeanour. Avoid appearing arrogant or disrespectful by staring at him, shouting out or making sudden gestures. He will be more curious than stressed if he understands that you do not want to confront him or belittle him.