Mawimbi

Western lowland gorillas face extinction in the wild, with fewer than 100,000 left across their African range. Mawimbi was born into this critically endangered subspecies at Zoo Zürich on 12 July 2012, the daughter of Mamitu and N’gola.

Captive breeding programs like the one that produced her are essential for maintaining genetic diversity in managed populations. She spent her early years learning from her mother Mamitu, developing the social skills that define gorilla communities.

Tragically, her life was cut short in April 2021. At just eight years old, she was euthanized at Zoo Zürich on 21 April. Her brief existence represents both the hope and fragility that defines conservation efforts for her species.