Gorilla receives flowers signalling the start of spring

Longleat’s oldest resident, Nico the gorilla, received a bouquet of daffodils from keepers to signal spring is finally on its way.

As well as being the oldest gorilla in Europe, Nico, who is believed to be at least 55, is also thought to be the second oldest male gorilla in the world.

Despite his grumpy expression, keepers at the Wiltshire safari park say the 180kgs lowland silverback is actually extremely gentle and still very active, despite his advancing years.

Keepers are unsure of Nico’s exact age. He arrived at Longleat in the 1980s from Switzerland and the likelihood is that he is actually even older.

The gorilla, who lives on an island in the middle of a lake at Longleat, has a purpose built, centrally-heated house, complete with classical pillars and satellite television.

At over half an acre in size Nico’s island home also includes plenty of space for natural foraging as well as outdoor facilities for play and relaxation.

There are also a series of landscaped lookout stations, giant tree trunk climbing frames, and a set of heavy-duty tyre and net swings.

See Nico's reaction to the flowers (footage from Longleat Safari Park):