Kofi

Kofi entered the world on a crisp October day in 2021, his first breaths taken right here in Belfast. His mother, Kamili, tended to him closely, while his father Gugas watched from the periphery, ensuring a stable start for the young silverback.

Now four years old, he roams the enclosure with a confident gait, his dark coat shimmering under the morning sun. Keepers note his calm demeanor during feeding times, and he often positions himself near the enrichment structures, curious about each new puzzle.

His subspecies, the western lowland gorilla, faces a bleak outlook in the wild, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Every day at the zoo, Kofi contributes to the global effort to maintain a healthy, captive population, offering hope for future re‑introduction possibilities.

All of Kofi’s life has unfolded within Belfast Zoological Gardens, a fact that simplifies his care record. The continuity of his environment allows staff to monitor his growth and health without the disruptions of relocation.