Online dating proves success for gorillas

Chessington Zoo was today celebrating the birth of a baby gorilla following the successful use of online dating.

Western Lowland gorillas Buu and Damisi were introduced last summer after Damisa was identified as a breeding male for Buu. Zookeepers used the Stud Book, the equivalent of an online dating agency for gorillas, to source the perfect match.

The computer database provides access to the entire European gorilla population and includes family trees and the history of every gorilla.

Keeper Michael Riozzi said: “We are so happy for Buu and Damisi who hit it off straight away. Buu is a fantastic first-time mum and their baby is a welcome addition to our group; one of the most successful breeding groups of Western Lowland Gorillas in Europe."