Looking for an unusual Valentine’s present? Why not adopt baby gorilla Tiya.

The western lowland gorilla was hand-reared at Howletts wild animal park after being rejected by her mother, Tamki.

Last July Tiya, who is one year old on February 6, along with fellow gorillas Oudiki and Kouki left Howletts for their new home in Gabon.

They were visited by Amos Courage, the parks’ director of overseas projects, and Damian Aspinall just before Christmas.

“We were both amazed at the progress that they had made with all three showing signs of extreme confidence,” said Mr Courage. “Even little Tiya, who we were worried about because she was a late starter at crawling, is now moving around the forest with ease.”

Tiya can be adopted online as a Valentine’s gift and the funds will go towards the Aspinall Foundation’s programme to help the plight of endangered animals.

Click here for details of the adoption programme>>>