N'jema

N’jema arrived on the world stage on 23 September 1993, the product of a careful breeding program at Apenheul Primate Park. The young gorilla grew under her mother’s watchful eye, learning to navigate her enclosure with gentle confidence.

In April 2002, the family moved across the English Channel, bringing N’jema to Blackpool Zoo. The transition was smooth, and she has since become a familiar sight for visitors, often seen relaxing in the shaded trees or inspecting her feeding area.

At 32 years old, she remains a cornerstone of the zoo’s gorilla family, sharing her time with other members of the Western Lowland Gorilla subspecies. Her presence underscores the importance of captive care for species that face critical threats in the wild.

The zoo staff notes that her calm demeanor and social interactions provide valuable learning moments for both guests and fellow gorillas alike.