Tamki

Tamki was a female Western Lowland Gorilla who died on August 1, 2014. She lived to 24 years of age.

Born on October 8, 1989, at Howletts Wild Animal Park, she was captive-born to parents Killa Killa and Bitam. Her early years were spent at Howletts before transferring to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in June 2000.

In 2013, Tamki joined the Gorilla Protection Project at Bat’eke Plateau, preparing for release back to the wild. She was successfully released into Bat’eke Plateau National Park on June 26, 2014.

Tragically, her freedom was short-lived. Just over a month after her release, Tamki died following a fight with a wild silverback male. Her death highlighted both the promise and perils of gorilla reintroduction programs.