In the animal world, few species exhibit a family system as complex and close-knit as gorillas. The presence of babies within a group is not only a sign of the health and stability of the population, but also plays a crucial role in social cohesion and the development of the skills necessary for life in their environment. Through games, interactions and learning, baby gorillas not only grow, but also actively contribute to the unity and strength of their family group. An example of all this has been what has happened at Bioparc Fuengirola in recent years. Four years ago, the park woke up with the birth of Ekan, a small western lowland gorilla who is giving hope for the conservation of his species. Ekan arrived to take on a very important role in his family group: its cohesion. Today, November 7, this first Andalusian gorilla celebrates his fourth birthday and has been surprised with a delicious and enriching cake made by his keepers.

Ekan's role in the family: more than offspring

The social structure of gorillas is hierarchical and generally focuses on the dominant male or “silverback”. The birth of a baby brings with it a series of benefits for the entire group. By integrating into the family nucleus, the babies generate an atmosphere of union, where adults participate in their care and learning. This sense of belonging and collective responsibility is fundamental for the well-being of all members, who share the protection and teaching of the little ones.

Caring for the young does not fall solely on the mother; other members of the group, especially the dominant male, play a protective role, allowing the young to develop in a safe environment. This bond also strengthens the group's commitment to the survival of all; an essential aspect of gorilla life. and in its social dynamics.

In fact, although as I grow up this will become less frequent, Ekan has a very special relationship with his father: Echo. The evolution of the young will be marked by the character of the male and his power in the group. In addition, Ekan continually explores the entire facility and does not stop interacting with other members of the group such as Wefa, the youngest female.

The need for protection: securing the future of gorillas

Baby gorillas are undoubtedly the core of their family groups and, therefore, of the preservation of the species. However, The destruction of their habitat and illegal hunting put the lives of these young individuals at risk and, consequently, the survival of the entire species.

Gorilla conservation is therefore crucial to ensure that these family dynamics continue to exist in the ecosystems they inhabit. Supporting conservation programs not only helps protect an endangered species, but also keeps one of the most complex and fascinating social systems in the wild alive.

Bioparc Fuengirola has been collaborating in the conservation of this species since 2004, when it received a non-reproductive group of gorillas made up of two females and one male. After the loss of the male Ersnt in 2017, due to his advanced age, the EAZA and the coordinator of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) assigned the park the mission of hosting a breeding group of these primates and taking on an active role in the programme.

The team's long experience and deep knowledge of gorillas was decisive for this assignment. This new breeding group began to form with the arrival, in 2018, of Echo and Buu. The young Wefa would complete it in 2019, and the birth of Ekan would continue the path.

Western Lowland Gorilla Conservation Program: A Species in Critical Danger of Extinction

This is one of the first conservation programmes launched by EAZA and thanks to which a population of 463 individuals has been achieved; an achievement thanks to the coordinated work of 69 European zoological institutions. The work carried out at Bioparc Fuengirola is not limited to the park alone, but can also be extended to the natural habitats where these species come from. In the case of the western lowland gorilla, the Bioparc Foundation has been closely cooperating with the programme since 2012. Ebo Forest Research Project, an initiative that works to protect the gorilla population of the Ebo Forest in Cameroon.

This project promotes, above all, the establishment of the highest level of protection in Africa, the National Park, in the Ebo forest, which would greatly reduce the greatest threats faced by this forest and its inhabitants. : poaching and illegal extraction of forest resources.