Ya Kwanza, Swahili for 'the first', was born at
Melbourne Zoo on 3 June 1984 and arrived in Jersey
on 18 June 1993. Ya Kwanza is the only offspring of
wild caught parents and born as a result of artificial
insemination. He was the first gorilla conceived this
way and was also the first gorilla born in Australia.

He arrived in Jersey to take the place as head of the
gorilla family following the death of Jambo who made
international headlines for saving a young kid who
fell into the gorilla enclosure. Besides being a great
abassador for gorillas in general, Jambo was also one
of the worlds most celebrated silverbacks. Ya Kwanza
was a young adolescent when he arrived and has matured
into an impressive silverback and is an ever vigilant
leader of the Jersey gorilla group.

This is a typical capture of Ya Kwanza, with a rather
human likeness at times. The big boss is revered!


If you wish to know more about the Jersey Zoo,
please click on the following thumbnail: