WATCH: A new bombshell is entering Jersey’s gorilla villa… Meet the “extraordinary” Afia

After 15 years without a new arrival, Jersey Zoo’s gorilla troop is about to welcome a newcomer with an “extraordinary” story.

Ten-year-old Afia – a critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla, who is moving to the Island from the Bristol Zoo Project – has attracted attention from the moment she was born.

Afia is the granddaughter of Snowflake, the world’s only known albino gorilla, and was one of the first gorillas to be delivered by emergency caesarean section when she was born in Bristol in 2016.

The then-newborn gorilla received her name following a public vote.

Afia means “born on Friday” in Akan, where children are named according to the day of the week they were born.

Afia was firstly hand-reared by keepers in Bristol, then by another gorilla in the troop when her mother, Kera, fell ill and was no longer well enough to care for her. Kera later recovered fully, according to Bristol Zoo Project.

A full-circle moment

Sarah Gedman, a Curator at Bristol Zoo Project, was present when Afia was born and has travelled to Jersey to help the “charismatic” gorilla settle in to her new home.

“Watching Afia grow from a vulnerable newborn into a confident adolescent gorilla has been incredibly special for all of us at Bristol Zoo Project,” she reflected.

She continued: “Despite the challenges she faced at the start of her life, she has absolutely flourished during her time here and become an important part of the conservation breeding programme for western lowland gorillas.

“As Afia has reached adulthood, we’ve always known the time would come for her to move on and hopefully start a family of her own.

“For me personally, it feels like a real full-circle moment. I was there when Afia was born almost ten years ago, and now I’ve travelled to Jersey and am helping her settle into her new home.

“Joining the troop at Jersey Zoo is absolutely the right next step for her. Once she’s fully settled and confident in her new surroundings, I’ll know it’s time for me to leave her to begin this exciting new chapter of her life.”

Settling into her new home

When she arrives in Jersey, Afia will initially stay in a dedicated area inside the new gorilla house, which is closed off from visitors.

Joining the troop at Jersey Zoo is absolutely the right next step for her

Sarah Gedman, Curator at Bristol Zoo Project

The facility was designed with off-show spaces specifically to support introductions and other animal management operations, allowing keepers to take what they describe as a gradual, “gorilla-centred” approach.

The new gorilla house was officially opened by Princess Anne in May following a fundraising campaign that included the Go Wild Gorillas sculpture trail as well as private and corporate donations.

Keepers from Bristol Zoo Project have travelled to Jersey to support Afia during the move, and she will first be introduced to the Jersey troop’s silverback, Badongo.

Once that introduction is complete, she will gradually meet the rest of the troop, with updates expected to be shared as she settles into life at Jersey Zoo.

Director of Zoo Operations Mark Habben said: “Afia’s story has been extraordinary from the very beginning, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome her to Jersey Zoo.

“Moves like this are an important part of ensuring a healthy future for western lowland gorillas, and we hope Afia will settle well into the troop and, one day, raise young of her own here.”