Baaku

Baaku arrived on 3 August 2013 as a captive‑born infant in the family group at Belfast Zoological Gardens. His mother is Kwanza and his father Gugas, both part of the European breeding program for western lowland gorillas.

He was hand‑raised by staff before being introduced to the resident troop, where he quickly found his place among the males. Zoo records list him under studbook number #2143, confirming his lineage and captive‑born status.

Now 12 years old, Baaku is a solid presence in the group at Givskud Zoo. Daily observations focus on his health, diet and enrichment, offering foraging opportunities and structures that encourage climbing and social play.

As a western lowland gorilla, his genetics add to the diversity of the managed population, helping maintain a healthy gene pool for future conservation efforts.