An orphaned gorilla, abandoned in the wilderness, has found a new home.
Parry was found in Cameroon by locals who noticed something wrong. The gorilla was not fit to be in the wild. Parry’s mother was killed at a young age and lived several years with owners. When he got too big, however, the owners left Parry in the jungle to fend for himself. Parry, unaccustomed to the wilderness, was doomed.
Local villagers found the gorilla and appealed to authorities. Parry was shipped to Mefou Primate Sanctuary operated by Ape Action Africa in an effort to give him a comfortable environment more suited to his background.
Parry was kept alone as he adjusted to his new home, but he could see other apes through his enclosure. The sanctuary documented on their Facebook page that the gorilla “struggled with his rambunctious neighbours” and “became anxious when they moved out of sight to play in their forest enclosure for the day.” Parry soon made friends with one of the gorillas, Chris, as the two interacted through the barrier.
Eventually, Parry was approved to be with other gorillas, including Chris. Although such “introductions can sometimes be long and challenging,” the sanctuary was pleased with how Parry responded to his new home.
“After weeks of watching and waiting, Parry has finally met his new friend Chris,” Ape Action Africa wrote.
The two gorillas immediately wrestled and played with each other, celebrating their new friendship. Workers at the sanctuary watched with pleasure as their hearts were warmed by the joy Parry had found.
“We have made a lifelong commitment to providing him with friendship and happiness amongst our other gorilla orphans,” Ape Action Africa wrote. The sanctuary hopes to add Luci and Chickaboo, two female gorillas, to the enclosure soon.
Although they know “can never replace the family that Parry has lost,” Ape Action Africa is determined to provide a happy ending to Parry’s long journey.
