Springfest 2026
Introducing Lekedi
There’s a very special little face waiting to meet you this May half term at Springfest 2026.
Born on 19th December 2025, baby western lowland gorilla Lekedi has quickly become one of the most talked-about residents at Howletts Wild Animal Park, and guests visiting this spring can now see his incredible progress firsthand. If you’re looking for family days out in Kent this May half term, a visit to meet Lekedi is a must.
Explore Springfest 2026A big personality in the making
Brian, Head Gorilla Keeper at Howletts, tells us Lekedi is already showing impressive development for his age.
“Like humans, they all develop at different rates, and he is actually quite advanced for his age.”
Although still very young, Lekedi is already experimenting with solid food, which is an exciting milestone in his early development. Gorilla infants typically begin to wean onto solid foods from around six months old, so this is a wonderful sign of healthy progress.
;
;
;
Even more heartwarming, mum Sanki has already started to allow other trusted members of the family group to hold him, showing the strong bonds within the troop. Visitors may even catch sight of Lekedi toddling around on his own for short moments, always under the watchful eye of his attentive mother.
His personality is expected to really start shining through in the coming months, making now the perfect time to visit and watch him grow.
A huge milestone for gorilla conservation
Lekedi’s birth marked the 155th gorilla birth across Howletts and Port Lympne, an incredible milestone in the parks’ long-standing conservation success.
As one of the UK’s most successful breeders of critically endangered western lowland gorillas, Howletts plays a vital role in the protection of this species. Lekedi’s parents, Sanki and Djanghou, were both born at Howletts, reflecting the strength of the breeding programme that has been built over generations.
Sanki
Djanghou
At the park, guests can see four family groups of western lowland gorillas, led by silverbacks Sammi, Djanghou, Kifu and Ebeki, making it one of the best places in the UK to learn about gorilla behaviour and family life.
See Lekedi this Springfest
This May half term, Springfest at Howletts is the perfect opportunity to visit Lekedi and follow his journey as he continues to grow.
Watching a young gorilla develop within a close family group is a truly memorable experience for children and adults alike, and every visit helps support the care of endangered species at Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Come and see Lekedi’s progress for yourself this May half term and make Springfest 2026 a family day out to remember.
