Rescued Gorilla Remains Alone After Decade in Sanctuary

Jojo, a gorilla in his 20s, continues to live alone at the Lekedi Foundation in Gabon. Despite being rescued from a private zoo in 2015, the animal has not formed a social bond with another gorilla in more than ten years. His keepers are actively seeking a companion to alleviate what they describe as extreme isolation.

The sanctuary team is negotiating with accredited zoos to find a suitable match, but progress has stalled. Professor Gillian Forrester of the University of Sussex, who is studying Jojo's psychology, notes that existing international protocols for moving captive gorillas are primarily designed for breeding programs rather than social reintroduction. She states that clear processes for these types of trans-locations do not yet exist.

Jojo was captured as an infant in Gabon after poachers killed his family. He spent the next 11 years in a small cage on public display. Most gorillas rely on family units for the first 14 to 19 years of their lives. Jojo was kept completely solitary during this critical developmental period. Maxe Anaclet Makaba, the head keeper at Lekedi, observes that Jojo craves human interaction, often gathering leaves to trade for treats.

Eric Willaume, who runs the sanctuary, says Jojo calls out to visiting women using vocalizations typical of silverback males summoning females in the wild. Willaume describes the ape as feeling lonely. Forrester describes Jojo as an extreme case of isolation among great apes. She has used thermal imaging to monitor his face, revealing a chronically cold nose. This condition, known as a nasal dip, indicates a malfunctioning stress response that does not recover after periods of alertness.

Experts warn that removing young apes from their groups causes deep trauma. Tony King of the Aspinall Foundation recalls rescuing infant gorillas in the Congo Basin who stayed in a tight ball for three days. He notes that when apes understand their family was killed, they often lose the will to live. The Grace Center in Africa uses a gorilla-led approach to rehabilitation, placing rescued infants with groups immediately to help them socialize.

Jojo's case differs because he is fully mature. Forrester believes another individual would help him process grief and trauma. Dr. Katie Fawcett from the Grace Center says social relationships are essential for an animal to be considered for release into the wild, which is the long-term goal for Jojo. Dr. Robin Morrison of the University of Zurich adds that female mountain gorillas seek out known females even after years apart. She notes that sharing quiet space is a central part of normal gorilla social life.

Introducing a new animal to Jojo would require careful steps. The process might involve sharing objects that carry the scent of the new companion before any visual contact occurs. Forrester has contacted several zoos, but discussions have not yielded a concrete plan. The decision to move an animal rests with an international committee and depends on genetics, health, and personality compatibility.

King suggests it may be too late for Jojo to bond easily, as mature male gorillas are often solitary. Morrison notes that about one-third of adult males live alone after dispersing from their birth groups. She believes Jojo is both traumatized and lonely because his solitude was forced during infancy rather than chosen during adulthood. Makaba says having a companion would be beneficial for Jojo, as being alone feels like being cut off from the world.

The sanctuary team wants to provide Jojo with a friend, possibly a female or a compatible male. They aim to replicate the group dynamics seen in the wild, where gorillas move, find food, and sleep together. For now, Jojo remains at Lekedi, waiting for a transfer that international rules have not yet fully facilitated.