Gorillas kept out of public view at Howletts since the pandemic struck will stay hidden away until a Covid vaccine is licensed in the UK to protect them.

Apes kept in the animal park's main enclosure have not been seen by visitors since last March because of fears they could catch the virus and fall seriously ill.

Even now keepers still wear medical-grade PPE when tending to the gorillas, which have long-been considered the star attraction at the Bekesbourne park.

And it could yet be some time before animal lovers can catch a glimpse of the huge primates, as a suitable coronavirus jab is not yet available for use in Britain.

There have been several confirmed Covid cases among ape species worldwide, including in gorillas, orangutans and bonobos, who have fallen ill as a result.

So Howletts bosses are taking no chances, only allowing the public limited access to some gorillas kept in a the park's other enclosure - near to the entrance - where two-metre distancing can be enforced.

The larger enclosure at the bottom of the park remains shut off to disappointed visitors.

A spokesman for the Aspinall Foundation - the charity which runs Howletts - says the configuration of the narrow viewing area in the main enclosure means they cannot keep the public far enough away from the apes.

"As our gorillas are not vaccinated, we are continuing various measures to keep them safe, and one of these is keeping them at least two metres from the public," they said.

"Due to the narrow walkways at our older gorilla enclosures, this distancing isn’t possible and so it remains closed to the public.

"It’s not possible to state when this section will reopen, unfortunately."

The only solution appears to be the licensing of a Covid vaccine for gorillas, which is currently being used in the USA.

Howletts says its vets are monitoring the roll-out of the programme across the Atlantic.

"At this stage, we do not know whether the US Zoetis vaccine will be licensed for animals in the UK," the spokesman added.

"However, our veterinary department is receiving the progress reports of its use in the USA.

"As soon as there is a safe and effective vaccination for gorillas available, we will ensure that they are protected.

"It is extremely important to us that we keep our animals safe during the current pandemic.

"In other collections around the world, gorillas have become unwell due to Covid, so we know that they are susceptible."

In total, there are 25 gorillas at Howletts.