Lowland Gorillas in Europe 2025

[zoologicus]

I read somewhere that this is only the 2nd gorilla birth in Europe this year. Must be heavily controlled.

It's at least the fourth, but you're certainly still correct — last year there was about ~12, but in previous years there's been similarly few born

The population had grown to the point where hard culls were being discussed (discussed, not planned) as a management implement around 4-5 years ago

 

[Jambo]

I read somewhere that this is only the 2nd gorilla birth in Europe this year. Must be heavily controlled.

It's at least the fourth, but you're certainly still correct — last year there was about ~12, but in previous years there's been similarly few born

The population had grown to the point where hard culls were being discussed (discussed, not planned) as a management implement around 4-5 years ago

Afaik there's only been three births this year - the new infant in Spain, and two previously at Fasanolandia in Italy.

Last year there was ten surviving offspring; however back in 2023, there was just three. So it's not necessarily a new trend, breeding is certainly more controlled these days; larger birth intervals and many individuals designated as non breeding.

 

[MennoPebesma]

I read somewhere that this is only the 2nd gorilla birth in Europe this year. Must be heavily controlled.

It's at least the fourth, but you're certainly still correct — last year there was about ~12, but in previous years there's been similarly few born

Afaik there's only been three births this year - the new infant in Spain, and two previously at Fasanolandia in Italy.

It is the fourth gorilla birth of the year within the EEP, but the second gorilla birth in an EAZA zoo this year.

The four births are:
1,0 Motema (04-02-2025, Moscow Zoo) (Vizuri x Kira)
0,1 Thara (13-08-2025, ZooSafari Fasanolandia) (Nasibu x Tamani)
1,0 Thor (04-09-2025, ZooSafari Fasanolandia) (Nasibu x Tonka)
0,0,1 ? (29-11-2025, Bioparc Fuengirola) (Echo x Wefa)

There have been quite a few moves this year, so who knows, maybe we'll see more births next year.

 

[Pertinax]

It is the fourth gorilla birth of the year within the EEP, but the second gorilla birth in an EAZA zoo this year.

The four births are:
1,0 Motema (04-02-2025, Moscow Zoo) (Vizuri x Kira)
0,1 Thara (13-08-2025, ZooSafari Fasanolandia) (Nasibu x Tamani)
1,0 Thor (04-09-2025, ZooSafari Fasanolandia) (Nasibu x Tonka)
0,0,1 ? (29-11-2025, Bioparc Fuengirola) (Echo x Wefa)

There have been quite a few moves this year, so who knows, maybe we'll see more births next year.

I should have realised the statement was wrong as I knew of the two in Italy anyway.

 

[Jambo]

1,0 Motema (04-02-2025, Moscow Zoo) (Vizuri x Kira)

Thanks for that update- this birth hadn't been mentioned on here, so it's news to me!

There have been quite a few moves this year, so who knows, maybe we'll see more births next year.

Agreed. I expect to see a flurry of births in the coming years now that a lot of new breeding troops have been established.