Gorillas in our midst – a zookeeper's parenting role

A ZOOKEEPER from the Westcountry became a surrogate parent to baby gorillas in a UK first - and even had them stay in his home.

- LAUREN BEAVIS [e-mail]

Alan Toyne shared everything with newborn western lowlands Afia and Hasani, including his dining table, bed and family home.

He even wore a string-vest to replicate their gorilla fur, which the babies would hang onto "wherever he went".

Alan had spent the previous 14 years working as a zookeeper at Bristol Zoo, where he developed his understanding of all species, but in particular primates and the group of Western Lowland gorillas who inhabit a large space there.

The author, team leader and zoo keeper has now written a memoir describing his unique journey with the fascinating primates in his book called 'Gorillas in Our Midst'.

He said: "It was the first time this hand rearing method had been used in the UK and it was an amazing experience. I still remember the first day bringing Afia back to my home in her car seat and putting her asleep on the table. My partner, Sharon, was like 'oh my goodness', and fell in love with her straight away.

"It was an emotional time saying goodbye in the end, but then you are also so tired from being a gorilla for seven months!"