Gorilla Island

Gorilla Island

Gorilla Island is home to five western lowland gorillas; Salome, Romina, Jock, Namoki and Komale.

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 Ape Action Africa (formerly 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.

Salome, female, born in July '76,

Salome has a very buxom figure! When she first arrived with us she weighed 154kg but now, although she still needs to work out a bit, she’s down to 125kg. Salome has a lovely nature, but is very strong-minded and incredibly intelligent. You will often see her sitting on her own, planning her next move - how to get the next piece of food!

Romina, female, born in April '80

Romina has browny-grey hair on her back – not silver like Jock. She weighs 110kg, which is perfect for a fully-grown female gorilla. Romina had cataracts removed from her eyes in 2002, which improved her quality of life significantly. She had her first baby, Namoki, in 2005 and is a very caring mother.

Kera , female, born August ‘04

Kera moved to Bristol Zoo in September ’08, from a specialist ape nursery in Germany, where she had been hand-reared while living alongside other young gorillas.

At four-years-old Kera was old enough to leave the nursery and a new home needed to be found for her. Bristol Zoo Gardens was chosen as the best place for her because it has the facilities for an expanding group of gorillas.

Jock, a male born in May '85

He weighs 220kg, (about 34 stone) and is all muscle. He stands over 1.8m (6ft) tall when on his back legs! Despite Jock’s impressive size, he is a gentle giant who still loves to take fruit juice from his keepers out of a bottle.

Jock has fathered two youngsters with Salome and Romina: Namoki and Komale.

Namoki, female, born May 05

Namoki has a strong part to play in everyday life for the gorilla family. Namoki is always playing with the other gorillas especially Komale, the other youngster. Over the next few years, Namoki will be spending time learning and developing her gorilla etiquette.

Komale, male, born Dec 06

Although Komale may be small, he has an amazing grip and is able to hold on to his mother, Salome, with great ease. He will be dependent on Salome for the first three years of his life but then will become independent and join Namoki causing trouble. His big cheeky character is shining through already and he is the apple of Salome’s eye.