NEW Mother and Son Duo Welcomed to Twycross Zoo...
12th Aug 2026
We're delighted to announce the arrival of two Critically Endangered Western lowland gorillas to the zoo, as part of European conservation programme to save the species.
A mother-and-son duo have been relocated from Chessington World of Adventure to the zoo, where they'll be cared for by our expert team of ape keepers.
The move, has been carefully planned as part of a wider conservation programme, led by EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), which is designed to safeguard endangered species from extinction by creating healthy populations in zoo care.
The female gorilla (aged 25) has been identified within the programme as a genetically suitable match for breeding with our silverback male (aged 33). Her 4-year-old son has an important role too - giving the youngest member of our existing troop, a play mate to bond with, as young male gorillas would do in the wild until they move on to establish their own troops.
Matt Ford, Primate Curator at Twycross Zoo, said: "We are so excited to welcome these new arrivals to the troop here at Twycross Zoo.
“Western lowland gorillas are a fascinating species and are in vital need of protection. It’s an honour to work with these animals every day and contribute to their care and long-term survival.
“We’ve no doubt our visitors are in for a treat watching the duo get to know their new troop and home. Plus, some guaranteed adorable moments of the 4-year-old playing and exploring.
“With every penny of their visit contributing directly to our charity, it allows us to continue this important work, and we hope that inspires every visitor who comes through our gates this Summer.”
We've been caring for Western lowland gorillas since the 1960's and have since became a world-renowned leader in pioneering primate care. In our history, our charity zoo has seen the successful births of 8 Western lowland gorilla, all as part of the conservation programme, and our hope with this arrival is that we could bring the pitter-patter of baby steps in the future too.
Dr Rebecca Biddle, Chief Conservation Officer at Twycross Zoo and Vice Chair of EAZA, said: "This arrival is a key step in our conservation mission, protecting this vital species from extinction from right here in the UK.
"Across their range-countries, populations of Western lowland gorilla sadly continue to decline, due to human actions all across the globe. It's a very real threat that this species could go extinct within our lifetimes - making this move and the collaborative work of EAZA zoos, so important
"The aim of these EEP's is to create genetically viable and healthy populations of endangered species, in zoo care, to act as a safety net for their wild counterparts. Should the worst happen, thanks to EEP and the collaborative work of hundreds of EAZA zoos, we can decrease the risk of losing these precious and important species forever.
"I'm really proud to see Twycross Zoo and the wider European-zoo community continue to collaborate, drive change, and contribute to conservation projects like this"
Visitors are able to see the new mother-and-son duo on their next visit, where they are living side by side with the existing troop of four in the gorilla habitat.
