The Bristol Zoo gorillas have been successfully relocated to their new home, the “African Forest” habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project. The habitat is significantly larger than their previous enclosure and includes trees for the gorillas to climb and forage. While the enclosure is a positive step, some believe that nothing can fully replicate the wild and advocate for an end to keeping great apes captive at UK zoos.

Unfortunately, the move was not without tragedy as the oldest male gorilla, Jock, became unwell and had to be euthanized. Despite the loss, the Bristol Zoo Project celebrated Jock’s role as the leader of his family group and highlighted the bonds he helped build within the troop. The move to the new habitat marks a new chapter for the gorillas, but also raises questions about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity for breeding programs.