# Gorillas in Our Midst by Alan Toyne (Paperback)

**Step into the fascinating world of Bristol Zoo with Alan Toyne, a dedicated zookeeper and primate expert whose extraordinary story of hand-rearing two baby gorillas will warm your heart**  
  
When Afia, a newborn Western Lowland Gorilla, is rejected by her mother Kera after a difficult birth, her human keepers must start the challenging - but rewarding - experience of hand-rearing her themselves. Teaching her the ropes of life in the Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo is tricky enough. But providing 24/7 care for a baby gorilla means Alan must hand-rear Afia in his own home too, an experience that forges a remarkable emotional bond between the two of them over the course of many sleepless nights.  
  
Soon a second baby gorilla, Hasani, is facing rejection from his mother, and Alan and his colleagues must embark on a daring mission to train Kera - now recovered but socially isolated - to become Hasani's surrogate mother. Can she learn to protect and love Hasani as her own, in a way she couldn't for Afia? Can she find her maternal instincts and claim a place within the troop at last?  
  
With a vibrant cast of characters - from the volatile Silverback Jock to the mysterious Sal and the stately Romi - _Gorillas in Our Midst_ offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of primate social dynamics, in all their complicated, human-like glory. More than just a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life, this thought-provoking and heart-warming memoir is a testament to the enduring bonds between humans and animals, and to the power of resilience and compassion.

## Details

- **Price:** 9.99 GBP
- **Vendor:** Summersdale
- **Type:** Alan Toyne
- **Tags:** All Books, Biographies & Memoirs

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 9.99 GBP | In stock |

## Images

- Gorillas in Our Midst by Alan Toyne (Paperback) cover

---

> Source: [Somiibooks](https://somiibooks.com/products/gorillas-in-our-midst-alan-toyne-9781837995257)
> Updated: 2026-10-13