Affy

A gentle presence in the Howletts troop, she first opened her eyes on 16 August 2009 under the watchful care of her mother, Kimba II. The captive‑born gorilla carries the Western Lowland Gorilla lineage, a subspecies listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Her father, Kijo, contributed to a strong genetic foundation that keepers value for the program.

Sixteen years have passed, and she remains at the same park where she entered the world, a rarity that offers continuity for both the animal and the caretakers. Her daily routine blends foraging enrichment, social interaction with peers, and the occasional health check that ensures her well‑being.

Visitors often pause by her enclosure, drawn by her calm demeanor and the quiet intelligence that shines through her eyes. For the team at Howletts, Affy embodies the success of a managed breeding effort aimed at preserving a species teetering on the brink of extinction.