Zola

From the moment Zola opened her eyes on 2 June 2014, the Gaia Zoo has been her entire world. Her mother, Sangha, and father, Makula, greeted her with the gentle familiarity that only a family can provide.

She grew under the watchful eyes of experienced keepers, learning the rhythms of her enclosure and the subtle social cues that keep a troop cohesive. The care team has monitored her development closely, ensuring that her diet and enrichment meet the high standards set for captive gorillas.

Today, at 12 years old, Zola remains a cornerstone of Gaia Zoo’s primate exhibit. Her presence reminds visitors of the fragility of the Western Lowland Gorilla, a species classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. By staying in a controlled environment, she contributes to conservation awareness and serves as a living example of successful captive breeding.

Zola’s life story is simple yet powerful: born, raised, and nurtured all within the same facility. Her story continues, encouraging everyone who steps into Gaia Zoo to recognize the importance of protecting these majestic animals in the wild.