ネネ Kiyomasa's Mother

Nene is a female western lowland gorilla born in the wild in Cameroon around 1972. She arrived at Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Nagoya, Japan, on October 27, 1973, and is now Japan's oldest female gorilla at an estimated 54 years old.

Affectionately called "Mom Nene" or the "super gorilla lady," she serves as the gentle matriarch of the famous Shabani family group. She first became a mother in 2003, giving birth to daughter Ai with the late male Rikki. At the remarkable age of about 40, she delivered son Kiyomasa (born November 1, 2012) with silverback Shabani — a high-risk late-life pregnancy that thrilled fans worldwide.

Even today, Nene remains active with a hearty appetite and calm presence. She is cherished for her strength, maternal warmth, and role in raising the viral star Kiyomasa.