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Male gorilla living at Bristol Zoo turns out to be female, and could help save the species

Kukena has turned out to be female, surprising zookeepers   - Bristol Zoo
Kukena has turned out to be female, surprising zookeepers - Bristol Zoo

A male gorilla living at Bristol Zoo has turned out to be female, and will now join a European breeding programme attempting to save the species from dying out.

Kukena was born at the zoo on 27 September 2011 to mother Salome and the troop's silverback Jock.

Gorillas are notoriously difficult to sex but zookeepers were convinced Kukena - nicknamed Kuki - was male.

However in the last few months experts caring for the western lowland gorilla noticed changes to her sexual organs and behaviour.

Although the discovery means that the gorilla will be separated from the troop of seven in the next few years, it is good new for the species, which is critically endangered. There are far fewer females than males in the world’s zoos making breeding programmes tricky and time consuming.

Gorilla Touni and her baby Ayana at Briston Zoo - Credit: Bristol Zoo 
Gorillas are endangered in the wild Credit: Bristol Zoo

Senior curator of animals at the zoo, John Partridge, said gorillas are known for being difficult to sex.

"We have a strict hands-off policy with our animals," he added.

"As gorillas can be difficult to sex, Kukena had been thought to be a male.

"She is a healthy youngster and there have been no reasons to perform more invasive health checks on her during her lifetime in the zoo.

"This discovery will not change the way we manage our troop of seven gorillas at Bristol Zoo Gardens."

The zoo said Kukena recently had her first oestrus and her genitalia became more pronounced which alerted them to her true gender.

The future of the gorilla is due to be discussed with the gorilla co-ordinator at the European Endangered Species Programme.