Pikin

Born somewhere in Africa to wild parents, Pikin became part of the captive population of western lowland gorillas — a subspecies that faces extinction in the wild. Her early life history remains largely undocumented, though records show she arrived at Mefou Primate Sanctuary in 2007.

The sanctuary became her home for seven years, where she lived among other rescued primates. Her subspecies carries the scientific name Gorilla gorilla gorilla, and the IUCN lists these great apes as Critically Endangered. Wild populations continue to decline across their native range in central and western Africa.

Pikin died on 14 March 2014 from a severe infection. Her death marked the end of her years at Mefou, representing one of countless western lowland gorillas whose stories reflect the broader conservation challenges facing this endangered species.