Shani

Western lowland gorillas face extinction in the wild, with fewer than 100,000 left across their African range. At Chessington World of Adventure & Zoo, one female has become part of the conservation effort simply by existing — and thriving — for over three decades.

Shani entered the world on February 10th, 1990, daughter to Lomie and Kumba. Born at Chessington World of Adventure & Zoo, she has never known another home. Captive-born gorillas like her represent crucial genetic diversity in managed populations of this critically endangered subspecies.

More than three decades later, she remains at the same zoo where she took her first breath. Her longevity speaks to the care she receives and the stability of her environment. As Gorilla gorilla gorilla populations continue declining in Central and West Africa, every gorilla in managed care becomes increasingly valuable for the species’ future.