Where is Bokito? The silent disappearance of an iconic monkey

After the death of Bokito, a gorilla known for attacking a visitor, Diergaarde Blijdorp faces a dilemma regarding his remains. Taxidermists are eager to preserve him, but the zoo fears this could glorify aggression. Bokito, who escaped in 2007 and injured a woman, died in April 2023. His body was kept frozen for eight months before a secret operation to prepare it for potential display. The zoo grapples with whether to honor him like other famous zoo animals or to cremate him and move on. Bokito's past, including his escape and the subsequent trauma for the zoo, complicates the decision. Staff view him as a victim of circumstances rather than an aggressor, reflecting on his unique behavior and bond with caregivers.