Silverback joins zoo's gorilla pack as leader

A new silverback has arrived at a zoo to take charge of its western lowland pack, following the death of the UK's oldest gorilla.

Nkoumou was brought to Bristol Zoo Project from Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent and is expected to lead the zoo's troop of six western lowland gorillas.

He succeeds Jock, who died earlier this year aged 42.

Brian Zimmerman, director of conservation and science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: "Nkoumou's arrival is significant not only for Bristol Zoo Project, but for the future of a species under threat in the wild."

Jock was the oldest male gorilla in the UK and led Bristol's gorilla troop for more than two decades.

The troop comprises three adult females Touni, Kera and Kala, adolescent female Ayana and juvenile males Juni and Hasani.

As silverback, Nkoumou is set to become the troop's main peacekeeper and protector, helping maintain stability within the family group.

The move from Kent is part of a conservation breeding programme to help safeguard the future of western lowland gorillas.

Western lowland gorillas live in close-knit family groups with complex social relationships, meaning introductions can take weeks or months as new bonds are established.

The 17-year-old will be gradually introduced in a process overseen by keepers and welfare experts.

Zimmerman said the zoo's conservation breeding programmes play "an important role in maintaining healthy populations for future generations".

"At the same time, the gorilla troop and their habitat at Bristol Zoo Project connect visitors to the landscape of Equatorial Guinea – where we run one of our largest field conservation projects," he said.

"Here we work alongside local communities to help people and wildlife, including western lowland gorillas, co-exist and thrive.

"We're looking forward to watching Nkoumou settle into his new home, develop relationships with the troop and establish his place within the group."

Bristol Zoological Society has cared for gorillas for nearly 90 years, from much-loved favourites like Alfred and Jock to the current group at Bristol Zoo Project.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.