Mambi

A captive-born western lowland gorilla, she has spent most of her life at Howletts Wild Animal Park. Born to Baby Doll and Bitam, her early years unfolded among familiar faces in the same troop. When the zoo arranged a transfer in late 2013, she joined the group at nearby Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, where she remained for nearly seven years. September 2020 saw her return home, and she now enjoys the familiar surroundings of her birthplace.

Her lineage ties back to two well‑known parents, Baby Doll and Bitam, both of whom contributed to the genetic diversity of the European captive population. The IUCN lists her subspecies, Gorilla gorilla gorilla, as Critically Endangered, underscoring the importance of her presence in managed care. Keepers monitor her health and behavior closely, ensuring she thrives in a setting that mimics natural social structures.

Visitors often spot her lounging in the canopy or gently grooming companions, a reminder of the complex social world these apes share. Her long tenure at Howletts makes her a familiar and beloved resident, offering both educational value and hope for the species’ future.