A new gorilla has moved into Jersey Zoo, the first to join the existing troop in 15 years.
Afia, a ten year old female, has come to the island from Bristol Zoo Project.
She has moved into the new state-of-the-art enclosure, which opened at the wildlife park in Trinity in April.
Princess Anne opens Jersey Zoo gorilla enclosure
Afia joins Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli and Amari.
She is gradually settling in and being introduced to the rest of the troop.
Keepers describe her as 'charismatic' having been hand-reared following her birth by emergency c-section in 2016.
She comes from an interesting lineage, as the granddaughter of Snowflake, the world's only known white gorilla to date.
Speaking about the move, Durrell’s Director of Zoo Operations, Mark Habben, said:
"Afia’s story has been extraordinary from the very beginning, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome her to Jersey Zoo.
"Moves like this are an important part of ensuring a healthy future for western lowland gorillas, and we hope Afia will settle well into the troop and, one day, raise young of her own here.
"Our new gorilla habitat has been designed to give the troop as much choice and freedom as possible. We’re looking forward to watching Afia explore her new home and become part of the group.”
The hope is that Afia will have offspring in Jersey.
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