the cThe western lowland gorilla born at BIOPARC Fuengirola on November 29th now has a name. After the closing of the popular vote, Ernie has emerged as the winning option with 44% of the votes, followed by Goodall (31%) and Kasai (24%).
The initiative, which has enjoyed great public participation, has not only allowed the selection of a name for the young male gorilla, but also paid tribute to one of the most emblematic gorillas in the park's history: ErnestErnest, a legendary male who was part of the early days of Bioparc Fuengirola and became a true symbol of the center, passed away in 2017 from natural causes at the age of 45, leaving an indelible mark on both the staff and the history of the park.
Eight years later, the name Hernias This continues that legacy and reinforces Bioparc Fuengirola's commitment to the conservation of the western lowland gorilla, a subspecies listed as in serious danger of extinction.
Unforgettable first weeks of life
The first few weeks of little Ernie's life have been an unforgettable experience for the entire park team. Not only because of the arrival of a new member to the gorilla family, but also because they've witnessed Wefa's transformation from a young gorilla into an exemplary mother. The rest of the group has shown absolute respect for the baby, now with his own name.
Ernie's arrival has also brought about a change in the group's dynamics: all individuals have slightly adjusted their activity in response to this new life, which represents a real hope for the species' survival. Furthermore, the birth has contributed to further strengthen social and family ties of this group of gorillas, reflecting the complex and rich social structure that characterizes these great primates.
With initiatives like this vote and thanks to the involvement of the public, BIOPARC Fuengirola continues to bring biodiversity conservation closer to society, reminding everyone that each birth is another step in the protection of endangered species.
The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorillaThe subspecies to which the cub born at Bioparc Fuengirola belongs is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its wild populations have suffered a drastic decline in recent decades due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and human conflict. Conservation programs like those developed at BIOPARC Fuengirola within the framework of international conservation programs (EEP) are essential to guarantee the future survival of this emblematic species and to raise public awareness about the urgent need to protect the African ecosystems on which it depends.
