Fifteen years ago, a tiny baby gorilla came into the world at Melbourne Zoo, and little did we know that he would grow up to become the dominant gorilla at Werribee Open Range Zoo. This incredible journey is a testament to resilience, care, and the natural progression of life. Let’s take a look at Yakini’s remarkable transformation.

Yakini’s story began with a challenging start. He barely made it through his first few hours, and a team of dedicated doctors from the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital worked tirelessly to keep him alive after he was born by Caesarean section without a heartbeat. Senior primate keeper Ulli Weiherr, who hand-raised Yakini, fondly recalls those early days when it was “touch and go.”

Yakini was not only nurtured by the dedicated medical professionals but also by Ms. Weiherr, who bottle-fed him and taught him how to behave as a gorilla. She vividly remembers the days spent crawling around on the floor, teaching him the basics, including how to climb on his mother’s back.

Now, Yakini has grown into a robust 170kg beast. He may have the physical strength, but he still retains the gentle and relaxed personality of his mother. In 2011, Yakini moved to Werribee to join his father, Motaba, and brother, Ganyeka. Keeper Kat Thompson shares that as Yakini matured, it was only natural for him to challenge his father for the leadership position in the group. The transition was subtle, more of a battle of wills than brawn. Yet, Yakini emerged as the head of the pack, enjoying the privileges of his new role, like being the first to eat and choosing his preferred spots.

It’s a remarkable journey that underscores the incredible resilience and care that have shaped Yakini’s life. His story is a testament to the dedication of those who worked to save him and the natural progression from a fragile infant to a strong and confident leader.