DHL delivers Western lowland gorilla Kiburi to ZSL London Zoo

A Western lowland gorilla has arrived at London Zoo after being delivered by DHL. Kiburi made his debut at ZSL London Zoo on Wednesday 23 November after global logistics experts DHL Express flew the whopping 193kg silverback to London as part of an international breeding programme for the Critically Endangered species. The 5ft 4ft tall gentle giant has arrived to lead the conservation zoo’s current troop, females Mjukuu and Effie, and youngsters Alika and Gernot in the family’s Gorilla Kingdom home – with high hopes the match-making effort will lead to a further increase to the gorilla population. 18-year-old Kiburi, who travelled from Zoo Loro Parque in Tenerife, was given the VIP treatment by DHL for the 1,903-mile door-to-door journey travelling in a custom-built crate supported by a dedicated team of zookeepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security teams, pilots and drivers. “Kiburi enjoyed an in-flight meal of nutritious leafy greens, snacked on leeks and a banana and had a refreshing drink of cold fruit tea during his first-class trip,” explained gorilla keeper Glynn Hennessy. Arriving in London late on Friday 18 November, the silverback slept over at Heathrow Airport before arriving at the Zoo at 8am the following morning. A team of vets and zookeepers at London Zoo were on hand to receive the special delivery and after giving Kiburi a check-up, introduced him to his new Gorilla Kingdom home. The exciting move was four years in the making.