Introducing
The Gorillas
Looking for things to do with the kids in Kent this summer holiday? Get ready for a truly wild family adventure at Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent’s original wildlife park, where you can meet four fascinating families of western lowland gorillas.
From 24th–31st August 2026, Gorilla Week brings these incredible animals into the spotlight with gorilla-themed talks, activities, fun facts and tasty treats. And with half-price kids’ tickets available until 31st August, there’s never been a better-value time to plan your summer day out.
Explore Gorilla Week: 24th - 31st August 2026Meet the Gorillas of Howletts
Gorillas are among the world's most fascinating great apes. They're intelligent, social and incredibly family-orientated, with strong bonds between members of their group.
Howletts is home to four family groups of western lowland gorillas, each led by an impressive silverback. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, so every birth at Howletts is an important part of the park's long-running conservation work.
Howletts has played a leading role in breeding this remarkable species and, through its conservation partners, has helped reintroduce gorillas born at Howletts to protected forests in Africa.
Here's your guide to the four silverbacks you might meet on your visit.
The Oldest Silverback:
Kifu
Still young at heart, Kifu is the oldest silverback in the UK at the grand old age of 39. He is known for being a gentle giant, but he steps up to manage his feisty females, Tambabi, Bamilla and Mambi when needed. His gentle nature makes him a favourite with his keepers, but he is very sensitive to loud noises.
His favourite part of the day? Feeding time!
The Kind One:
Ebeki
At 23 years old Ebeki is following in his dad, Kifu’s footsteps and takes his role as a silverback very seriously. However, his playful side shines through when he plays with his son, Ikebe. Ikebe's mum Dihi, along with Emmie, Yaounde, Kumbi and Kiale make up the rest of Ebeki's family.
You might also hear Ebeki making his distinctive loud grumbles during feeding time. Don't worry, he's not complaining. It's a sign that he's very happy with his food!
The Youngest Silverback:
Sammi
At 20, Sammi is the youngest of Howletts' four silverbacks, but is proving to be a wonderful influence on his band of ladies; Emba, Masindi, Mali, Affy and his daughter Saffi.
Sammi is known for his playful personality and has been known to throw straw at keepers during feeding time. And if his pool is filled with water, visitors nearby might want to watch out for an unexpected splash!
The Sensitive One:
Djanghou
At 32 years old, Djanghou has fathered an impressive nine offspring, including Howletts' youngest gorilla, Lekedi. Alongside Lekedi's mum Sanki, Kwimba, Kimba II, Kidiki and Soundi complete the family group.
Djanghou is known as a sensitive silverback and has a particularly strong bond with his female keepers, who he sees as an extension of his family group.
When the weather is warm, you might spot Djanghou and his family relaxing outside and sunbathing in the sunshine.
Meet Lekedi, Howletts' Baby Gorilla
And then there's the newest little member of the Howletts gorilla family.
Meet Lekedi!
Born on 19th December 2025, baby western lowland gorilla Lekedi has already become one of the park's most exciting young residents.
If you're visiting Howletts with children this summer, seeing Lekedi growing up alongside his family is something you won't want to miss.
A little gorilla with a big personality
Lekedi is already showing plenty of personality.
According to Brian, Head Gorilla Keeper at Howletts, Lekedi is developing impressively for his age.
“Like humans, they all develop at different rates, and he is actually quite advanced for his age.”
Lekedi was already experimenting with solid food at around five months old, an exciting milestone in his development.
Even more heartwarming, mum Sanki has started allowing other trusted members of the family group to hold him, showing just how important family bonds are within a gorilla troop.
Visitors may even catch Lekedi taking a few little adventures of his own, toddling around for short periods before returning to the watchful eye of Mum.
He's growing up fast, so Gorilla Week is the perfect time to come and see him for yourself.
Fun Gorilla Facts for Kids
Think you know gorillas? Here are some fun facts to share with your little explorers before your visit.
1.
Gorillas have family groups
Gorillas are highly social animals and live in family groups led by a dominant silverback.
2.
Gorillas can "sing" at mealtimes
Listen carefully when the gorillas are eating and you might hear something surprising. Gorillas can hum and gurgle while enjoying their favourite foods, sometimes described as their very own "food songs".
3.
They're incredibly strong
Gorillas are hugely powerful animals, but they're not constantly looking for a fight. Much of their day is spent eating, resting, exploring and socialising with their family.
4.
Gorilla babies grow up surrounded by family
Young gorillas are cared for by their mothers and surrounded by other members of their family group. That's why watching Lekedi interact with Sanki, Djanghou and the rest of his family can tell you so much about gorilla family life.
5.
Gorillas are critically endangered
Western lowland gorillas face serious threats in the wild, which is why conservation breeding and reintroduction programmes are so important.
A visit to Howletts helps support the care and conservation of endangered animals.
More than a day out
Howletts isn't simply somewhere to see amazing animals. It's a place where your family can discover why protecting endangered species matters.
The park has a long history of successful gorilla breeding, with Lekedi marking the 155th gorilla birth across Howletts and our sister park Port Lympne Reserve.
Lekedi's parents, Sanki and Djanghou, were both born at Howletts, demonstrating the generations of conservation work behind his arrival.
When your children watch Lekedi playing, see a silverback keeping watch over his family or hear a gorilla making its food song, they're not just seeing an amazing animal. They're getting a glimpse into the lives of a species that needs our help.
For a limited time, kids' tickets are half price, meaning children aged 3–15yrs can visit Howletts for just £11.25 when booked online.
The offer is available for visits until 31st August 2026, meaning your Gorilla Week visit will be even better value!
