Orphan Kafi's story on The Zoo tonight

Dublin Zoo has released new pictures of Kafi, the three-year-old female western lowland gorilla who arrived at Dublin Zoo in August 2012 and whose story features on The Zoo on RTÉ One tonight, Thursday May 2, at 7:00pm.

Orphaned at five months, Kafi was hand-reared by the staff at Stuttgart Zoo and then joined a troop of gorillas in Romagne Zoo in France.

However, that move proved unsuccessful because Kafi was unable to integrate with the other gorillas, prompting a move to the Gorilla Rainforest at Dublin Zoo.

Watch a clip of Kafi on The Zoo by clicking the link on your left.

Ciaran McMahon, Dublin Zoo team leader for the gorillas, said: "After months of careful introduction Kafi has settled in very well. Luckily Lena, who is a fantastic mother with sharp maternal instincts, took Kafi under her 'wing', indicating her approval to the other gorillas.

"Kafi is a beautiful and very intelligent young gorilla. Since arriving she has learned amazing social skills and knows how to interact with the others, especially silverback Harry. The youngster is comfortable but still cautious and spends a lot of time playing with the other young gorillas, Kituba aged two, and Kimbiri, aged one-and-a-half years.

"We are extremely proud to have successfully integrated Kafi with the group. It is a phenomenal experience and great achievement. We still keep a very close eye on the troop and how they interact with each other.

"Once Kafi matures we hope that she will join the breeding programme and contribute to the survival of this highly endangered species of western lowland gorillas."

For more on Dublin Zoo, visit: www.dublinzoo.ie.

Kafi