Ivindo

A captive‑born western lowland gorilla, she entered the world on 25 September 2017 under the watchful care of her mother Hakuna Matata at La Vallée des Singes. Her father, Yaounde, contributed the genetic line that keeps this critically endangered subspecies thriving in managed care.

From her first days she was part of a close‑knit troop, learning social cues and foraging habits alongside her mother. Those early experiences shaped the confident, curious animal you see today, exploring enrichment devices and engaging with keepers during health checks.

At eight years old she now calls Zoo Zrich home, having arrived there in April 2025. The move marked her second major transition, offering new companions and a spacious enclosure designed to mimic her natural habitat. Visitors often pause to watch her gentle interactions, a reminder of the species’ resilience despite its precarious status in the wild.

Her presence contributes to the global effort to safeguard western lowland gorillas, whose numbers continue to dwindle. Every day she embodies the hope that captive programs can bolster the survival of this critically endangered ape.