23 years ago the story of Jambo hit the headlines around the world.

The gorilla became known as the 'gentle giant' - shattering myths about gorillas being violent and savage animals.

To celebrate Durrells 50th Anniversary Channel Television have re- released a limited edition DVD on the story that made Jambo famous world-wide

Buy the DVD here...

18th June 2009

This Durrell 50th anniversary DVD tells the story of Jambo the gentle giant. When a young boy fell into the gorilla enclosure Jambo stood guard over him, placing himself between the boy and other gorillas. This special anniversary DVD includes extra feature items.

19th March 2009

“Everyday Heroes” a programme listing the top ten heroes caught on video tape. The zoo keppers and ambulance man coming to Levan Merritt’s rescue coming in at number 3.

The Everyday Heroes include

1. Hero on the Hudson
2. In chopper chase hero emerges
3. Zoo incident turns heroic
4. Saviours save injured motorist
5. Driver saved by strangers
6. A Hawaii hero helps a trapped pilot
7. Two citizens help in an arrest
8. Heroic cameraman moves to centre stage
9. Dad credits son with saving life
10. Brave brother comes to the rescue

The programme includes footage of the event and interview with Brian Le Lion

Click here to view the video

“Animal Heroes” a programme covering the drama of the event was shown on Channel Five the 18th March 2009.

The 30 minute programme followed the entire event as it unfolded on the day. This also included interviews from Stephen, Pauline and Levan Merritt: Brian Fox and Richard Johnstone-Scott.

To help with the reconstruction of the story it was decided to film an actor in a gorilla suit inside the Gorilla enclosure, however this footage was cut from the final edit as it was found that there was nothing like the original video to illustrate the drama.

The excellent programme “Hero Animals” was produced by Big Wave TV

18th March 2009

The youngest member of Durrell's western lowland gorilla group has died.

Four year old Ya Pili started showing signs of illness at the beginning of the week. She was taken into intensive care at Durrell's veterinary department yesterday morning.

Despite efforts from the veterinary team, members of the mammal department and a team of medical experts, she continued to deteriorate. She died in the early hours of this morning.

 it's likely a viral infection caused her sudden death.

10th October 2007

Ya Kwanza has undergone a successful operation to remove a testicle.

The Western Lowland gorilla Ya Kwanza had to have the procedure to prevent him suffering future health problems.

Suspicious changes were discovered in the testicle, which was not thought to be functioning normally.

After extensive consultation, medical advice suggested the safest option for the 22 year old male would be to remove the testicle completely in order to avoid any future health implications.

Despite the removal of the organ, there is no reason to suggest this will affect his ability to continue to reproduce successfully.Ya Kwanza is recovering well and has now returned to the rest of the group.

19th June 2007

Channel Television and channelonline.tv have marked the 20th anniversary of when Jambo the looked over Levan Merritt the boy who fell into the gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo.

To mark the 20th anniversary the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust has republished a biography of Jambo and copies will be signed by Richard Johnstone on Monday the 4th at 10.30am and 3.30pm.

31st August 2006

• Jambo The Gentle Giant

• The Eclipse

• Channel Island Ferry Disaster

• Dakota Plane Crash

• Orion Oil Rig

• Gas Works Fire

• Newalls Murder

• Prosperity Boat Disaster

• Great Storm of ‘87

• Beast of Jersey

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for the video.

October 14th 2005