Maayabu

A bright, inquisitive male emerged from the green heart of the Zoologisch-botanischer Garten Wilhelma in late July 1988. His parents, Mimi and Banjo, provided a nurturing start in a world of lush plants and careful caretakers.

When he was almost seven, he crossed the border to Loro Parque on 14 July 1995. The move marked a new chapter, bringing him into a vibrant community that would shape the rest of his life.

For the next sixteen and a half years, he shared the space of Loro Parque, growing into the adult presence that many visitors would recognize. His gentle demeanor made him a favorite among staff and guests alike.

On 30 December 2011, a sudden heart attack took him from the park. The loss was felt deeply by those who had watched him thrive and by the conservation community that watches the fate of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla.

His 23 years of life stand as a reminder of the fragility and resilience of this subspecies, and of the importance of caring for those who cannot protect themselves in the wild.