Gorilla Reunion: Damian Aspinall's Extraordinary Gorilla Encounter on Gorilla School

http://aquavitafilms.com In the African jungle, conservationist Damian Aspinall searches for Kwibi, a lowland gorilla he hasn't seen for 5 years. Kwibi grew up with Damian at his Howletts Wild Animal Park in England. When he was five, he was released into the forests of Gabon, West Africa as part of conservation programme to re-introduce gorillas back into the wild. Now Kwibi's 10 years old, much bigger and stronger. Will Damian find him? Will Kwibi attack him?

Watch the whole story of the amazing UK gorillas who are making a comeback in Africa in Gorilla School on Animal Planet narrated by Kevin Spacey from 4th May 2010 at 8pm.Adopt a Gorilla School baby: http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/adopt-an-animal/?breed=62 Produced by Aqua Vita Films Ltd http://www.aquavitafilms.com
http://www.gorillaschool.com

[Piano music]

>> SPEAKER 1: Everything was fine, and then
no warning, he just liked attacked.

He meant business.

He can be such a love and a sweetheart, but
then you just don't know what can happen.

>> SPEAKER 2: On our last trip to the Gabon,
I wanted to go and see Kwibi.

>> SPEAKER 1: We can't find him.

>> SPEAKER 2: Hadn't seen him for five years.

I was with Liz Pearson, who's the head of
our gorilla project.

Liz was very concerned; he had attacked the
last two people that had come across him.

>> SPEAKER 1: No stranger has been with them
for years.

>> SPEAKER 2: But I was really determined to
see him.

I got on a boat with my brother, and we went
up and down the river for several hours.

And I had this call for the gorillas.

[Demonstrating call]

And I was calling, and turned round the corner,

and there was this magnificent now ten-year-old
gorilla,

and he hadn't seen me for five years,

but he'd heard my voice and he came to the
edge of the river.

♪♪

Lars [indistinct],
to throw food if it kicks off.

And as I sort of landed over the top, I was
a little concerned.

♪♪

[Gorilla making guttural noise]

But the moment I heard its deep love, rumbling
gurgle, I knew then that I was OK.

He looked in my eyes with such intensity and
such love,

and it was an incredible experience.

And we just sat there together, sort of drunk
on each other.

He embraced me like a long-lost friend, and
it was just beautiful.

And he slowly introduced his wives who came
to see me.

Could you bring me over a sleeping bag?

I don't quite know how I'm going to get out of here.

And he wouldn't let me go.

He scrambled off to get some raisins and I
managed to clamber back into the boat.

To my amazement, he then followed the boat
all the way back to our camp,

and on the other side of the river, he then
nested his family directly opposite where I sleep,

and all night long, he hooted.

Calling for his friend.

At six o'clock in the morning, I got up and
went for a swim in the river,

and you know, there he appeared on the edge
of the river.

Kwibi, lovely boy!

I can see you!

Just shows what a remarkable animal these
gorillas are,

and what a remarkable animal Kwibi is.

I can honestly say it was one of the greatest
experiences of my life.

♪♪