Lope the gorilla celebrates his 7th birthday, but little brother steals the show!

We’ve had our first celebration of 2020 as our ape keepers threw a seventh birthday party for Lope, a critically-endangered Western lowland gorilla – however younger brother Shufai managed to steal the limelight!

Best known in his viral social media videos for his dance moves, Lope enjoyed a birthday bonanza with the rest of his family, including mum, Ozala, dad, Oumbi, and adorable little brother, Shufai and. In true younger sibling fashion, 3 year old Shufai stole the show by enjoying the tasty treats hidden in Lope’s presents as well as showcasing his own moves, which are fit for the next series of Strictly!

The family enjoyed vegetables that were hidden in party decorations – party streamers, decorated cardboard and wrapping paper – enrichment that heighten the species natural senses.

Western lowland gorillas are found in Central Africa and the numbers have declined by more than 60% in the last 20-25 years. Although critically-endangered due to poaching and disease, the exact number remaining in the wild is unknown as they reside in dense swamps and rainforests.

Did you know that we are the only place in the UK home to all four great apes including gorillas, orang utans, bonobos and chimpanzees?

Come along and see Lope and the rest of his family this January 2020!