Today, the impressive silverback Jitu turns 38 and the beloved Fossey, the first female of this species to arrive in Valencia, will celebrate her 22nd birthday tomorrow. LThe birthdays of two of the gorillas that BIOPARC Valencia houses are a reason for joy. Taking care of them and offering them maximum well-being represents an enormous responsibility and, at the same time, these celebrations give us the opportunity to reflect and raise awareness in society about its protection, showing our commitment to its conservation.
The western coastal gorilla is in “Critically Endangered” and both in the park and the BIOPARC Foundation are fighting for its protection.
Sure es one of the most admired animals in the park, a majestic western coast gorillaGorilla gorilla gorilla) which today celebrates its 38th anniversary. The entire technical team has always paid special attention to his health, since Jitu underwent surgery for a testicular tumor in 2008, so maintaining his strength is essential. His demeanor is known to all visitors and his good appearance and the energy he gives off at his age is a reason for satisfaction.
The other birthday is Fossey, who tomorrow, October 16, will turn 22 years old and who moved to Valencia along with the male Mambie in 2007. For the first time our city had the honor of hosting a gorilla breeding group and thus be part of the international program for its conservation ex situ. Fossey gave birth to Pepe in 2018, one of the four gorillas born at BIOPARC. Contemplating this “family” today, with the games and interactions of all of them, represents the hope of contributing to the recovery of this emblematic species.
El gorilla It is one of the five species of “great apes” that exist, among which we find humans, along with orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos. They are our closest living “relatives” and we are driving them to the brink of extinction. Therefore, all coordinated conservation actions are key to saving them.
Equally necessary is action in the habitats of origin, with the aim of promoting the conditions that allow gorillas to survive. The conservation in situ, is developed through the BIOPARC Foundation, in this case, with the collaboration en el Ebo Project, in Cameroon. The Ebo forest symbolizes the fight for the preservation of nature in the face of devastating human activity. This ecosystem is a treasure for its biodiversity and last year it was in serious danger due to the interests of the logging industry. The important international mobilization managed to stop the project and today the fight to convert the Ebo forest into a sanctuary for gorillas is more alive than ever.
