Gorillas in Our Midst

LoveReading Says

Zookeeper turned author Alan Toyne allows behind the scenes access to Bristol Zoo’s family of gorillas and their keepers in this heartfelt and eye-opening book. While this story centres on the two babies he helps to hand-raise, you encounter the whole troop of gorillas including silverback Jock. Perhaps the most poignant story is of Kera, the mother of Afia, who was hand-raised at another facility and had such a difficult time settling in at Bristol as she didn’t understand adult gorilla behaviour. So, you witness the reasons why the keepers attempt the reintroduction of the two babies, Afia and Hasani, back into the troop as soon as they are old enough. You also gain an understanding of why zoos are so important for animals as their wild areas around the world are decimated, and have thoughts thoroughly provoked by the differences between captivity and conservation. Life as a gorilla keeper is incredibly hard work as well as rewarding, and as Alan explains, you have to have the right temperament and inbuilt sense of safety, as well as an understanding of the social behaviour of the gorillas. This isn’t just about the gorgeous baby gorillas, while there are lots of ‘ahh’ moments, there are some sad and emotional times too. I found the insight into the social behaviour absolutely fascinating, particularly when I realised that some of the gorillas were training the keepers as much as the other way round. Rewarding and inspiring, Gorillas in Our Midst highlights the importance of championing the continued existence of these amazing primates. 

Liz Robinson

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