Jojo, a male eastern lowland gorilla, was taken from the wild as an infant during a poaching incident in Gabon. After being sold into captivity, he spent nearly his entire life isolated in a small iron cage at a private zoo.
The Trauma of Isolation
In 2015, Jojo took his first steps onto grass — a milestone that marked only the beginning of his recovery journey. His family had been killed by poachers who captured him when he was less than one year old.
Since then, Jojo has lived alone without any social contact or companionship. At the Lekedi Foundation sanctuary in Gabon, where he now resides, keepers report clear signs of loneliness and chronic stress.
Maxe Anaclet Makaba, head keeper at Lekedi: "He definitely feels lonely — you can see it in his eyes."
Jojo will gather leaves to trade with caretakers for treats, indicating a desire for interaction. When known women visit his enclosure and leave, he emits vocalizations similar to how silverback males summon females in the wild — behaviors that suggest an instinctual need for social connection.
A Sign of Chronic Stress
Professor Gillian Forrester from the University of Sussex is studying Jojo as part of research into great ape psychology. Using thermal imaging, she has observed persistent coldness in Jojo’s nose — a physiological sign known as "nasal dip".
This indicates a malfunctioning stress response: when primates are stressed, blood flow increases toward eyes and ears, leaving the nose temporarily cooler. In healthy animals, this effect recovers quickly. For Jojo, it does not recover — suggesting long-term psychological distress.
Gillian Forrester: "Being connected to others is incredibly important to our psychology as great apes. Having another individual to share his life with would be so healing for him."
The Challenge of Introducing a Companion
African conservationists emphasize that social bonds among gorillas are fundamental to their well-being. Dr Robin Morrison from the University of Zurich notes that female mountain gorillas have been observed seeking out former companions after years apart — demonstrating deep emotional ties in ape societies.
In natural groups, gorillas often spend time simply sitting together quietly, sharing space without vocal interaction. This form of quiet coexistence is central to their social structure and mental health.
Jojo has never had such an opportunity. His case remains unique: fully mature with signs of severe trauma, he lacks any exposure to group life or peer relationships.
Katie Fawcett, Grace Center: "It's essential for an animal to form social relationships before being considered for release into the wild."
No Clear Path Forward
To introduce a companion, experts would need to follow carefully managed protocols — including genetic compatibility assessments, medical evaluations, behavioral observations, and gradual introductions via scent-based contact.
Such procedures are used when animals move between accredited zoos. Professor Forrester has contacted several institutions with this goal in mind, but no progress has been made as of now.
The lack of formal processes or guidelines specifically designed for introducing solitary great apes into group settings remains a major obstacle. No international body currently oversees such interventions at the level required for Jojo’s case.
While there is hope that social integration could heal his trauma, experts stress that any decision must be based on scientific assessment — not assumptions about what gorillas need to feel normal or happy.