Silverback joins London Zoo
Image: Kumbuka, ZSL London Zoo
A new male gorilla has arrived at ZSL London Zoo, and it is hoped the 15-year-old will mate with the females already resident at the zoo, helping to boost the numbers of this critically endangered species.
The western lowland gorilla, Kumbuka, arrived at the zoo two weeks ago from Paignton Zoo in Devon, and has never had a female mate before.
Keeper Daniel Simmonds said: "We’ve been slowly introducing him to our three females, and Mjukuu and Effie are already quite smitten with their handsome new roommate.
"He is proving to have quite a playful side to him; he loves to snap the branches on the smaller trees on their island and standing in the spray of the hosepipe when we clean his dens."
Seven-foot-tall and a hefty 29-stone (185kg), Kumbuka has replaced previous male Kesho, who moved to Longleat Safari Park.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
