Hotelier James Taylor said: “I was reading an article last year about the financial difficulties facing Durrell because of declining tourism and knew I could do something to help especially as my family love Durrell and visit so much.

“I am a Jersey man and my brother and I have very fond memories of Durrell from visiting a lot when we were children and the gorillas are definitely my son Charlie's favourite now. They really are fantastic animals and their plight really needs to be highlighted and supported. ”

Durrell's Head of Mammals Dom Wormell said: “The Silverback Ball is named in honour of all the magnificent ambassador Silverbacks who have resided at Durrell over the years and it will raise vital funds for gorilla conservation.

"The illegal trade in gorilla 'bush meat' continues in their native Africa as does habitat loss and these are still the main reasons for the decline of these magnificent apes but our teams are working hard in the field to protect them.”

“Every year Durrell runs a scholarship for a person from the gorillas‟ native West Africa to come and study here in Jersey for three months at the Durrell Academy. Forging links with organisations on the ground and training personnel in conservation management empowers them to go on and achieve greater success and increases the network of 'Durrell‟s Army'.”

Durrell has trained 5,000 students from 137 different countries, who they say are all now armed with the skills to help protect the world's rare and vulnerable species.

Tickets cost £80 per person and you can book a table by emailing events@durrell.org or calling 860036. The Hotel is also offering special discounted room rates for guests at the ball who want to stay overnight.