Kidogo

Western lowland gorillas face extinction in the wild, with fewer than 100,000 left across their African range. Kidogo represents hope for his critically endangered subspecies through managed breeding programs in European zoos. Born at Apenheul Primate Park to parents Mandji and Bongo, he spent his early years learning essential social behaviors within that established troop.

At eight years old, he transferred to Safaripark Beekse Bergen, where he has lived for nearly two decades. This move marked a critical transition period as he matured from juvenile to adult male. Captive-born gorillas like him often face complex social dynamics as they develop, requiring careful management by experienced keepers.

Now 26 years old, he has become one of the longest-term residents at Safaripark Beekse Bergen. His subspecies, Gorilla gorilla gorilla, remains listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease in their native Central and West African forests.