New Baby Gorilla Born at Howletts
Come and say hello this half term
Howletts Wild Animal Park is celebrating the birth of a new western lowland gorilla, born overnight on 19 December 2025. The infant was born to Sanki and Djanghou, two gorillas with deep roots at Howletts, and represents the 155th gorilla birth across Howletts and Port Lympne combined – a significant milestone for the conservation programme.
Both parents were themselves born at Howletts, with Sanki born in 1998 and Djanghou in 1993. Sanki is the daughter of Kifu, one of the silverbacks still residing at Howletts, and Sounda, who sadly passed away in 2007. Djanghou is the son of Djala, a silverback released into the Congo in 2013 as part of the park’s rewilding programme and Sangha, a female within the Port Lympne troop.
This is the fourth infant born to Sanki and Djanghou, making Sanki an experienced and confident mother. In total, Sanki has had four offspring during her lifetime, while Djanghou has fathered nine. The new arrival is already attracting attention within the group, particularly from older sister Soundi. As the first infant Soundi has observed being reared, this birth provides an invaluable learning opportunity, helping to prepare her for motherhood in the future.
Gorilla infants typically breastfeed until they are around four to five years old, although they begin to wean onto solid foods from around six months of age. For now, the infant remains close to Sanki, bonding and feeding under her attentive care, meaning keepers have not yet been able to determine the sex.
Each birth at Howletts and Port Lympne Reserve plays a vital role in the long-term conservation of this critically endangered species, contributing not only to the European breeding programme but also to wider efforts to protect and rewild gorillas in their natural habitats.
The new arrival is now on show ready to meet its adoring public, just in time for half term. This half term, from Friday 13th – 22nd February KIDS GO FREE at Howletts Wild Animal Park. Book in advance online at www.howletts.com
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