Yeba

He first made his way into public view when a family from Givskud Zoo brought him to the hands of keepers in May 2012. Over the next eight years, he grew beside his mother, Chuma, and his father, Samson, learning the rhythms of a captive life in a familiar environment.

On 17 June 2020, a new chapter began as he crossed into the care of Zoo Safari de Thoiry, joining a troop that welcomed him with open arms. Five years later, on 17 October 2025, he returned to a fresh home at Zoo Basel, where he continues to engage visitors with his calm presence and gentle gaze.

Throughout his journey, the western lowland gorilla—classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN—has remained a living testament to conservation efforts. His story, rooted in a single family and a series of homes, underscores the importance of protected habitats and dedicated stewardship.

As he matures into the next stages of his life, he offers both a bridge to the wild and a lesson in resilience, reminding us that every transfer is an act of hope for this endangered subspecies.