Big love at the zoo ... but is a little gorilla on the way?

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The whirlwind romance has sparked delight among keepers. The last time a gorilla was born at the zoo was 21 years ago and Bobby, 25, has never been a father.

Jookie - short for Mjukuu - was previously at Chessington. Keeper Iona Stewart said: "It's a historic moment because this is the beginning of what will be a big group of gorillas which will be used for breeding.

"We knew we needed a socially adept gorilla to bring the group together and we chose Jookie specially because she is so confident. We are so excited by how well it's worked."

Ms Stewart told how the gorillas' relationship developed: "Jookie had only been here two weeks when she came into season and we could tell that Bobby had fallen for her. There was a lot of direct eye contact, which is quite a come-on in gorilla terms.

"They did a lot of playing and sitting next to each other just touching. Then it got a bit like a cheesy soap opera."

Bobby has previously mated with two other females who failed to conceive. But keepers are confident that there will be a result this time. They say that if Jookie is not pregnant already, it's only a matter of time.