Silverback gorilla dies days after he was moved to new home

By Laura Elvin

A silverback western lowland gorilla has died days after he was moved to a new home amid controversy.

Eight gorillas remained living at Bristol Zoo Gardens after it closed to the public in September 2022, while a new Central African forest habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project site was completed.

The old site in Clifton was subject to multiple break ins over rumours the animals had been ‘abandoned’.

The gorillas were moved to their new home just two weeks ago.

But Jock, 45, the oldest male gorilla in the family, deteriorated ten days after his arrival, and on Thursday, Feb. 26, Bristol Zoo announced he had been euthanized.

A spokesperson for Bristol Zoo Project said it was "the best outcome for his welfare", and that he had a £number of pre-existing health conditions that are common for gorillas his age" and had settled in well to his new habitat.

They added: "It is too early to determine the cause of Jock’s illness, but we will conduct a full review as soon as possible. Silverbacks typically live up to 35-40 years in the wild, and face threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and health issues such as tooth loss as they age."

Born on May 31 1983, in France, Jock arrived at Bristol Zoo in 2003 and became a central figure in the gorilla troop for more than two decades.

Over the years, Jock played a vital role in the European co-ordinated breeding programme for Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas.

He fathered several infants, including Namoki, Komale, Kukena, Juni, and Hasani.

Sarah Gedman, curator of mammals at the zoo said: “The decision to let Jock go peacefully was made with his comfort and quality of life in mind, a testament to the deep bonds between him and the people who cared for him every day.

“Jock’s legacy at Bristol Zoo, as a leader, father, and ambassador for his species, will live on through the gorillas he helped raise and the countless people he inspired. His life was a reminder of both the beauty and fragility of wildlife, and the importance of conservation efforts everywhere.

“This is a really difficult time for the keepers and all colleagues and volunteers here. We all feel we have lost a friend in Jock and will always remember him so fondly.”

The zoo said gorillas have "strong social bonds and are sensitive to change" and the rest of the animals will be closely monitored and given "extra enrichment".