Alpha male gorilla Kesho is named as London Zoo's next arrival

THE HAREM of girl gorillas at London Zoo is about to be introduced to a new alpha male, following the death of his predecessors. Kesho, 11, who has grown up in Dublin Zoo, is expected to join Effie, Zaire and Mjukuu before the end of the month, although a

THE HAREM of girl gorillas at London Zoo is about to be introduced to a new alpha male, following the death of his predecessors.

Kesho, 11, who has grown up in Dublin Zoo, is expected to join Effie, Zaire and Mjukuu before the end of the month, although already there is a risk of complicated ape politics.

Female gorilla Mjukuu is pregnant and due to give birth in a couple of months and there is a chance Kesho will kill the baby, even if he arrives before it is born.

But zoological director David Field thinks there is a good chance of Kesho fitting in well following the deaths of Bobby in 2008 and Yeboah in April this year.

He said: "We've made sure we've got a very socially groomed gorilla - one who knows how to live in a family situation.

"Crucially he's not too old, so he's very playful. We're confident he's going to be the right gorilla for our girls.