Adira

Her first days unfolded under the canopy of the Royal Rotterdam Zoological Gardens, where she was welcomed into a family led by her mother, Aya, and her father, Bokito. Growing up among her siblings, she learned to navigate the enclosure’s varied terrain and develop the gentle strength that defines her species.

At just under nine years old, she crossed the border to Europe’s heart, arriving at Zoo Basel on 24 September 2015. The new environment offered larger trees, richer vegetation, and a quieter troop, allowing her to thrive in a space that mirrors her natural habitat more closely than a typical zoo enclosure.

Now 19, she stands as a living reminder of the challenges facing the western lowland gorilla. Her presence at Basel provides a focal point for conservation education, showing visitors the resilience and dignity of an animal that still faces a critical threat in the wild.

Day‑to‑day, she engages in playful climbs, foraging sessions, and quiet moments of rest beneath a shaded canopy. Her calm demeanor and steady routine offer comfort to the caretakers who watch over her, and she continues to inspire efforts to protect her endangered subspecies.

Every interaction with her is a chance to connect the public with the urgent need to preserve the fragile ecosystems that support gorillas worldwide, making her a powerful ambassador for her family and the planet.