Gorilla leaves Britain for the Congo to help his save species
JOSHI the gorilla was given first-class treatment when he left Britain for the Congo to help save his species.
The western lowland silverback sat in a customised crate with a steel frame and doors and specially heat-treated hardwood interior. The 13-year-old munched on root vegetables and juicy fruits to keep up his hydration levels while accompanied by his keeper on the 5,500-mile journey from Stansted Airport. The 30st primate left Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent for the Lesio-Louna Reserve in a bid to help save his species from extinction.
Gorillas are critically endangered with their numbers dropping by 60 percent in the past 25 years.
Joshi will spend several months getting used to the environment and diet in his very own acclimatisation home before being released into the wild.
Damian Aspinall, chairman of The Aspinall Foundation who cared for the gorilla, said they were "incredibly proud" to have successfully sent Joshi on his mission despite the pandemic.
He added: "We expect him to quickly adapt to his new life and we will keep our supporters updated every step of the way."