In mid-May, Pairi Daiza will say goodbye to three gorillas, who will move to Rotterdam as part of a European protection program. This is necessary to make room for a number of new western lowland gorillas, an endangered species. The zoo hopes that they will continue to reproduce to ensure the survival of the species.
Kasper Nollet
Journalist at HLN
Of the three gorillas leaving, the oldest had been staying at Pairi Daiza since 2016. This concerns the male Shomari (18 years old, arrived in 2016). He lives with the females Gasira (16 years old, arrived in 2022) and Uzuri (17 years old, arrived in 2022). Together they are now about to leave for Rotterdam. Visitors have until May 15 to say goodbye.
The zoo does not just do that. Like other animal centers in Europe, Pairi Daiza is committed to protecting the western lowland gorilla, an endangered species.
In the coming months, the park will therefore welcome a new group composed within the European EEP program (EAZA Ex Situ Programme). The goal? Ensuring that the endangered species continues to reproduce itself.
Refurbishment
While the gorillas move, the park will also be redesigned. One of the two iconic volcanoes of The Land of Origins, Pairi Daiza’s piece dedicated to the beauty of the African continent, will be redesigned to accommodate the new group.
During that period, Tebogo and Indigo will continue to live quietly in their own habitat, the second volcano. Yiling Wang, acting chief caretaker of the primates, testifies about the bond she has built with Shomari and the females over the years.
“We have already come a long way with Shomari and I have personally developed a very close bond,” she says.
“Because he did not get along well with the other two males in the same group in 2021, we looked for a new balance and were given permission to introduce him to the females Uzuri and Gasira. At first his integration was difficult, but as we can now see, the group gets along well.”
New group coming up
Two females are expected in the coming months, after the adaptation works have been completed. Three months later, the arrival of a male is also planned.
The balanced composition should eventually make the birth of young gorillas possible, it says.
“We especially wish the old group at their new destination the same peace, harmony and understanding that has warmed so many hearts of our visitors in the past,” concludes Wang.
