Gorillas Soundi and Boula safely arrive at Pairi Daiza from the UK
The two female western lowland gorillas are the first members of a new group being formed at Pairi Daiza as part of EAZA’s Ex situ Programme (EEP).
Soundi, aged 10, and Boula, aged 19, two female western lowland gorillas, arrived safely at Pairi Daiza from the United Kingdom on Tuesday, 25 August. They are the first two members of a new group of four gorillas being formed within the Ex situ Programme (EEP), coordinated by the EAZA, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. A male and a third female are expected to join them in the coming months, with the aim of encouraging breeding in this Critically Endangered species.
Their arrival marks the first step in the formation of this new group at Pairi Daiza, announced in May.
A fully refurbished volcano to welcome the new group
To welcome the new gorilla group, one of the two iconic volcanoes in The Land of Origins, Pairi Daiza’s world dedicated to the beauty of Africa, has undergone an extensive refurbishment.
Both the indoor and outdoor areas have been almost entirely renewed. The work included new indoor substrate, a new misting system, new planting beneath the glass roofs, as well as additional walkways and elevated structures.
New enrichment features have also been introduced. On the outdoor island, for example, a termite mound can be used to hide food, encouraging the gorillas to search, manipulate and explore. The camera system has also been fully upgraded, allowing the zoological teams to closely monitor the animals as they adapt, as well as their welfare and social interactions.
The project brought together several teams across Pairi Daiza, including the zoological, technical, horticultural and IT departments.
Throughout the refurbishment, two male gorillas, Tebogo and Indigo, continued to live peacefully in their own territory in the second volcano, which had already been refurbished.
Soundi and Boula
The two females arrived on Tuesday, 25 August, and will gradually be introduced to each other. Their caretakers will also spend time getting to know them, while allowing the gorillas to become familiar with their new care team at their own pace. During these first days, the team will continue to exchange information with the UK caretakers who accompanied them on their journey and are staying at Pairi Daiza to support the transition. This settling-in period also means that the gorillas will not be visible to visitors immediately.
Before being given access to their entire new environment, the newly arrived gorillas will first complete the required quarantine period inside the refurbished volcano
Soundi, agile and curious
Soundi was born on 25 April 2016 at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent. Her move to Pairi Daiza is the first transfer to another zoological institution in her life.
Her UK caretakers describe her as sociable, confident and particularly agile. An excellent climber, she moves quickly and enjoys enrichment activities.
Behind that confidence, Soundi also has a more cautious side. When faced with an unfamiliar situation or a change in her environment, she may take more time to observe what is happening and seek reassurance before engaging.
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Boula, expressive and playful
Boula was born on 9 April 2007 at Howletts Wild Animal Park. In 2013, she moved to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, also in Kent.
Her keepers know her as a particularly playful and expressive gorilla. When excited, especially around feeding time, she may hold onto the mesh, shake her head and open her mouth. When especially enthusiastic, she has even been known to lift herself completely off the ground while holding onto the mesh with both her hands and feet.
Fresh browse is one of Boula’s favourite treats during the day, and her former caretakers know her well for her exceptionally loud and lengthy rumbles she can produce when it is being distributed.
More new residents to look forward to
Once Soundi and Boula have completed their quarantine period, a male and a third female are expected to join them.
The composition of the group has been determined in line with recommendations made within the EEP, with the aim of encouraging breeding. Over time, the group could provide the conditions for new gorilla births at Pairi Daiza while contributing to the long-term management of a genetically and demographically viable European population.
The Primate Team's ambition is clear:
“The arrival of these two females is an important first step in forming this new group. Our priority is to give each gorilla the time and conditions needed to settle in and build strong social relationships. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming the other members of the group and seeing these bonds develop. In the longer term, we hope this group will also contribute to the conservation of the species through the EEP.” Yiling Wang, Acting Head of Primates
The Western lowland gorilla: A Critically Endangered species requiring international cooperation
The Western lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is classified as a Critically Endangered subspecies by the IUCN. In the wild, the species faces a range of threats, including habitat degradation, poaching and disease.
Its particularly slow reproductive rate further increases its vulnerability: females generally give birth to a single infant, with several years typically separating successive births.
This is the context in which the EEP operates. By coordinating transfers and the composition of groups across EAZA member institutions, the programme aims to ensure the long-term management of a genetically and demographically viable population.
With Soundi and Boula, this new group is now beginning to take shape at Pairi Daiza.
Johan Vreys