Gorilla Island

Gorilla Island

Gorilla Island is home to five western lowland gorillas; Salome, a female, born in July '76, Romina, another female, born in April '80 and Jock, a male born in May '85
Jock has fathered two youngsters; Namoki, born May 05 and Komale, born Dec 06.

Ground breaking veterinary care

Romina, who arrived from Rome Zoo in 2001, successfully underwent pioneering surgery to restore her sight in the first ever cataract operation performed in Europe on an adult gorilla. The two hour operation took place at the University of Bristol's Veterinary Hospital in March 2002 and, for the the first time in her life, Romina saw the world around her clearly.

The breeding group

Our gorilla group's diet is varied and mimics the diet of wild gorillas including 80% vegetables and 20% fruit, with tree branches on a daily basis. In addition they also get herbal tea and fruit cordial every day. Western lowland gorillas come from areas of dense forest and swamp in West Africa, and are seriously threatened in the wild. The forests where they live are being exploited for timber and the gorillas are being hunted for their meat and for bush medicine.

Bristol Zoo Gardens supports conservation work to protect gorillas in the wild in Cameroon. Vital funds are provided for the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund (CWAF) to support a rescue centre and provide education on conservation issues. Bristol Zoo Gardens hopes to raise more funds for the project by raising awareness of its work among visitors who see the gorillas at the Zoo.