Adopt: Téké

Species: Western Lowland Gorilla

Location: Congo

Gender: Male 

Date of Birth: April 2004

About Téké: Téké’s birth is significant as he is the first mother-raised gorilla born to the reintroduced gorillas. Téké is growing more confident everyday, leaving his mother’s side in search of food or play. However one look from mother, Djembo, and he scuttles back to her swinging on to her back like a cowboy mounting a horse!

Téké has already learnt many of the skills necessary for living in the jungle – a proper wild gorilla. His social skills are advancing, he even had the nerve to cough at Makoua, gorilla talk for keep away despite the 50-fold difference in their body weight. For the time being Makoua is being very gentle and understanding towards his son, but in another year or two he will discipline him with a sharp slap or gentle bite should Téké repeat such insolence. Until then, Téké remains the jealously protected jewel of this group. Téké remains confident and slightly cocky, displaying at strangers at the tender age of two. He is the great hope for the future of the project as he will lead the next generation of wild born gorillas in thier journey in the Lefini Reserve.Click here to see Teke with his mum Djembo You can follow Téké’s progress in the monthly African Diaries.