Relocation of two Western lowland gorillas

News ARTIS Zoo

10 September 2025

The females, both of whom are still of reproductive age, will be transferred to other zoos to reproduce.

This summer, two of our female western lowland gorillas will be moving. At the same time, ARTIS will be welcoming two new female gorillas.

A healthy and strong gorilla population

Tjerk ter Meulen, Animal & Plant Manager, explains the reasons for the move: "Currently, the gorilla group at ARTIS consists of six males – the silverback and five young males – and three females. Given that our silverback (30) has already sired many offspring, it is in the interests of a healthy, genetically strong population in European zoos that he does not reproduce any further. Because the two females are still allowed to have young in the interests of this population, they are moving to a place where there is a good reproductive match. From the zoos where our gorillas are going, ARTIS welcomes two female gorillas who are currently on contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is now better for the population not to further expand these genes.

´ARTIS coordinates the species conservation programme for western lowland gorillas in Europe. This gives us a detailed overview of these gorilla groups in all European zoos. This allows us to know exactly what is needed and to make recommendations about the optimal group structure in zoos. For example, which animals need to be relocated for a better group structure and/or dynamics, to reproduce or, conversely, to be given contraception. Everything to maintain a genetically strong population for the coming decades."

What do we consider when relocating?

We do not rush into relocations; on average, there is a year between the recommendation and the actual move. In addition to genetic information, we also try to take into account the gorillas' personalities, their role within the group and their overall well-being. We also look at the accommodation: the space, layout and facilities. Of course, the wishes of the zoos are also taken into account in the decision and we limit the travel time where possible. If the animals can go to a good place nearby, we always choose that option. In this case, the gorillas are moving within the Netherlands.”

How do gorillas live in the wild?

Gorillas live in so-called harem groups: one silverback with several females and young. In the wild, young males leave the group at a certain point to start their own group, after a period of roaming around as bachelors or forming loose groups with other young males. Research in the original habitat of the western lowland gorilla shows that female gorillas are not necessarily loyal to the silverback and also change groups. Tjerk: "Zoos do not have the opportunity to allow this freedom, but relocations are used to mimic the bringing together and dispersal of groups as closely as possible. In recent years, only males have been born at ARTIS. A number of them have already been relocated, and we have decided to castrate the current five young males. This is because they would otherwise grow into silverbacks, which would cause unrest within the group. In this way, they can remain in the current group. The arrival of the new female gorillas will contribute to the social balance and well-being within the group, to a new dynamic, in order to keep life interesting for all the animals.

The introduction of the new gorillas

Two years ago, ARTIS modified the gorilla enclosure so that the group could make better use of the various possibilities offered by the building and the animals would have more space. When the two new female gorillas arrive at ARTIS this summer, they will have sufficient space in the current enclosure to settle in peacefully. They will then be placed with the silverback and, if they get along, he will lead the introduction to the rest of the group.

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